Global media icon Oprah Winfrey will be honoured as the 2026 Cannes LionHeart at this year’s Cannes Lions festival in June.
Oprah will be joined on the French Riviera for the five-day event by other creative legends, innovators and cultural voices, including fashion designer Stella McCartney, outdoor clothing brand Patagonia and AI research laboratory Google DeepMind. See the full programme below.
Cannes Lions says its 2026 programme will bring together a “diverse community of global creative leaders and changemakers”.
What is the Cannes LionHeart?
The Cannes LionHeart is one of the Festival’s highest honours. It celebrates someone who has “used their platform to drive meaningful and lasting positive change”.
Who is Oprah Winfrey?
Oprah is one of the original influencers! Back in the ’90s when she said on air that she was quitting burgers because she was worried about mad cow’s disease, the cattle industry experienced a $10-million loss in business and tried to sue her for “disparaging” meat. (She won.)
The American businesswoman is also the ultimate TV show host, producer, philanthropist, actress and author. She has spent decades shaping culture and connecting audiences. Today she has over 21 million followers on Facebook, and another 22 million on Instagram.
“Oprah Winfrey’s influence extends far beyond media,” said LIONS Chair Philip Thomas. “She has consistently used her platform to elevate others, challenge perspectives and inspire change. Her sustained commitment to using influence responsibly has helped create opportunities for others while broadening understanding on a global scale – embodying the true spirit of the LionHeart Award.”
When will Oprah Winfrey be in Cannes
Oprah is set to deliver a talk on Tuesday 23 June at 10am, in the Lumière Theatre. Later that evening she will be presented with the LionHeart Award at the Awards Show.
This year’s Cannes Lions will run from 22-26 June. To view the full programme and see the range of Festival passes available, visit www.canneslions.com.
