The south of France is once again a mecca for creatives! The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is in full effect this week, and some of our favorite Black women are in attendance. We’ve seen Blavity CEO Morgan DeBaun, Amanda Gorman, Issa Rae, Danai Gurira, and more all make appearances at the star studded event.
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity turns 70 this year! The primary goal of the Cannes Lions Festival is to celebrate and recognize creativity across different mediums, such as film, print, digital, and experiential advertising. The festival showcases outstanding work, encourages innovation, and fosters collaboration and networking among industry professionals.
The festival features a wide range of activities and events over one week. These include seminars, workshops, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and award ceremonies. Prominent figures from the creative industry, including advertising executives, marketers, brand strategists, filmmakers, and industry thought leaders, participate in the festival. Throughout the week, attendees celebrate, explore, learn, and network.
Here are the Black women dominating the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
The Women of Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2023
Issa Rae
Wednesday, Issa Rae spoke on a Hoorae Media Panel titled Day of Disruption. Hoorae is a the actress’ media company that focuses on digital, television and film.
Morgan DeBaun
Blavity CEO Morgan DeBaun is at Cannes Lions representing the company and meeting with clients. On her Instagram account DeBaun has shared insights she’s learned so far from the star studded event including thoughts on the rise of artificial intelligence.
Amanda Gordon
Poet and activist Amanda Gorman is at Cannes Lions this week. She joined Jane Lauder and Anna Klein on in a session examining what it means to be an icon representing a brand and a generation. They also discussed Gorman’s partnership with Estée Lauder as their first ever Global Changemaker.
Danai Gurira
Danai on stage at the ‘Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity’✨ pic.twitter.com/PtWUMRLzS6
— danai gurira’s pr manager (@gurirasource) June 20, 2023
Award-winning actress and UN Ambassador Danai Gurira is one of the keynote speakers at this year’s festival.
Keke Palmer
Singer, actress, and host Keke Palmer is in attendance. She posted to her Instagram feed to let fans know “the trick is to make it look easy” as she’s served a color-blocked look at the festival.
Lizzo
Singer Lizzo performed at a VIP dinner party hosted by iHeart Media and Media Link. She wore a eye catching gold ensemble for the show.
Kahlana Barfield Brown
Kahalana Barfield Brown is in attendance this week with her Target family! The fashion and beauty expert has been updating fans on the latest happenings from Cannes via her Instagram story.
HER
HER is living her best life! The singer posted her escapades while in attendance where she’s swimming, dining out, and more. She even did an impromptu performance at dinner after her show at the Spotify Cannes event.