Dentsu’s media network secures the top honour at the Media Lions, following a strong tally of 3 Gold Lions, 1 Silver Lion, 2 Bronze Lions and 3 shortlists.
Dentsu’s pioneering media network, Carat, has been named Cannes Lions 2026 Media Network of the Year, earning one of the industry’s highest honours following an exceptional performance across this year’s Media Lions awards.
Carat secured the title with a standout showing at the festival, that delivered:
- 3 Gold Lions
- 1 Silver Lion
- 2 Bronze Lions
- 3 Shortlists
The result reflects Carat’s ability as a true scaled agent, to connect brands and people through media experiences grounded in human understanding and powered by the collective expertise of its 12,000 specialists across more than 100 countries.
The recognition also demonstrates the strength of its client partnerships, for whom standout campaigns have included Could Have Been a Heineken, which won two Gold Lions, and Dark Mode Ads for Plenitude which also won gold.
“This recognition is powerful validation of what Carat does best – bringing together creativity, data and technology to deliver the most impactful outcomes for clients.
Behind each shortlist, and every Lions award won this year, is a client challenge, a team obsessed with solving it, and work designed to make a difference.
At a time when our industry is being reshaped by AI, algorithms and fragmented attention, being named Media Network of the Year is evidence of what’s possible when exceptional talent, deep human understanding, market-leading agentic capabilities and trusted partnerships come together. I’m incredibly proud and grateful to our teams and our clients around the world. This award belongs to all of them.”, Will Swayne, Global Practice President - Media & Integrated Solutions, dentsu.
Carat is the world’s first media agency and is privileged to work with some of today’s most storied and innovative brands. Designing for people, Carat pioneers in media to build modern businesses by getting brands closer to the people who matter. Most recently named a leader amongst global media agencies by Forrester, Carat is consistently ranked the #1 media agency in the world. With more than 12,000 experts in more than 100 countries, Carat is a dentsu company that delivers an unparalleled capability to unlock real human understanding and connect people and brands through powerful, engaging media experiences. We define media as the new frontier of modern business that combines the speed of technology with the art of empathy.
Part of Dentsu Group, Dentsu International is a network designed for what’s next, helping clients predict and plan for disruptive future opportunities and create new paths to growth in the sustainable economy.
Dentsu delivers people-focused solutions and services to drive better business and societal outcomes. This is delivered through six global leadership brands - Carat, Dentsu Creative, Tag, dentsu X, iProspect and Merkle, each with deep specialisms.
Dentsu International’s radically collaborative team of diverse creators unifies people, clients and capabilities through horizontal creativity to help clients create culture, change society, and invent the future.
Powered by 100% renewable energy, Dentsu International operates in over 145 markets worldwide with more than 46,000 dedicated specialists, and partners with 95 of the top 100 global advertisers.
The annual Media Network of the Year award is won by the network whose member companies accrue the most points for shortlisted and awarded entries in the Media Lions through work credited in the Media Placement role. Carat’s winning performance included:
Gold Lions (3)
- Red Star Brazil (creative agency: LePub Italy) for Heineken – Could Have Been a Heineken in Social Behavior
- Red Star Brazil (creative agency: LePub Italy) for Heineken – Could Have Been a Heineken in Use of Mobile
- Carat Italy (creative agency: LePub Italy) for Plenitude – Dark Mode Ads in Market Disruption
Silver Lions (1)
- Carat UAE (creative agency: FP7 McCann) for Arla Foods’ Puck – Recipe for Change in Corporate Purpose & Social Responsibility
Bronze Lions (2)
- Carat Italy (creative agency: LePub Italy) for Plenitude Dark Mode Ads in Corporate Purpose & Social Responsibility
- Carat UAE (creative agency: FP7 McCann) for Arla Foods’ Puck – Recipe for Change in Co-Creation of Branded IP
