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the creator fund

CANNES LIONS 2026

Investing in the Future of Creativity

WIN A TICKET TO CANNES LIONS

WIN A TICKET TO CANNES LIONS •

THE CREATOR FUND: INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF CREATIVITY

At FiveTwoNine, we back creators shaping what’s next, with real opportunities that move their careers forward and push the industry ahead.

The Creator Fund is a creative access program that helps creators attend the world’s largest advertising and creative events. Launched in partnership with Billion Dollar Boy.

Our aim is to break down financial barriers by awarding access to the next wave of talent set to redefine the creator economy.

class of 2026

Creates character-led comedy rooted in dry, observational British humor.

abi mills

Anela Malik

Creates content on food, travel, and culture, using storytelling to challenge narrow perspectives.

Content creator and cinematographer, speaking about the vulnerable experiences of being an artist

DESIRE LACAP

Drew Talbert

Actor, improv coach and a content creator behind the fictional restaurant Bistro Huddy.

Gaming content creator and founder of Playnist, a social cataloguing app for gamers.

Emma Nicole

Fahim Mannan

Content creator and educator telling stories about culture and underrepresented communities.

Iván Fernández González

Fashion creator using genderless style to celebrate self-expression

Jaleesa Jaikaran

Makeup artist and beauty educator, covering topics in beauty that are rarely discussed.

Joshua Woodward

Kate Kennedy

One of the hosts of A Story Worth Telling, a channel exploring LGBTQ+ representation in media.

Podcast host and bestselling author, devoted to excavating the female millennial zeitgeist.

Lauren W.

Mariana Antaya

Lifestyle and travel creator transforming everyday life into cinematic, story-driven content.

Tech founder and AI/ML creator breaking complex topics down in simple language.

Niall MacMillan

Sabina Trojanova

Sam Cornforth

Vince Way

Professional actor, comedian and content creator, who has succeeded in establishing himself as one of the funniest men in fitness.  

One of the creator duo behind The Perfect Mix, a fast-growing community for high-energy, authentic reactions to films and TV.

Will Coleman

Cindy Chen

Chef, content creator, cookbook author, event curator, and on-camera host.

Storyteller and avant-garde makeup creator, inspiring others to bring out their inner creativity and feel less alone.

One of The Normies - a team of entertainers creating engaging reaction and review content for trailers, TV shows, anime, and films.

Miranda Sanchez

Expresses her creativity through fashion, unique editing style, storytelling and jaw-dropping transitions.

Navi Kaur

Creates travel content that focuses on centering local voices and encouraging travelers to decolonize their approach to exploring the world.

 A comedy creator who developed ‘The Awkward POV Guy’ character that appears in bizarre, cringeworthy, or overly dramatic videos.

OUR annual CREATOR FUND

CANNES LIONS FESTIVAL OF ADVERTISING AND CREATIVITY

Barriers still prevent many creators from accessing the spaces where long-term opportunities begin.

The Creator Fund exists to ensure you get in the room and, beyond that, receive the support, connections and guidance to make it count.

Last year, we brought 20 creators to Cannes Lions. We covered their passes and supported them with curated introductions, private events, speaking opportunities and direct brand partnerships.

It was about knowing which rooms mattered. Being introduced properly. Finding community.

This is now our annual commitment: to place creators at the center of the industry’s most important conversations and back you properly once you’re inside.

The creator fund x patreon

This year, we’ve teamed up with Patreon, the network where creators and fans mutually invest in creative culture. Patreon is built on the belief that creators should own their audiences, build sustainable businesses and thrive on their own terms.

Together with Patreon, we’re helping creators maximize their experience at Cannes Lions — unlocking access to key rooms, connecting with industry leaders, and opening opportunities for the future of their businesses.

Selected creators will be invited to the FiveTwoNine x Patreon Happy Hour on Wednesday, 24 June, an exclusive rooftop gathering bringing together creators, brand leaders and industry peers.

CANNES LIONS, ON US

The Creator Fund covers the full cost of your Creator Pass(normally €1,494).

Alongside your pass, you’ll receive:

  • Programming across the week

  • A curated guide to the most impactful rooms and events

  • Introductions to global brands, platforms and senior leaders

  • Access to exclusive beach space at Cannes Lions

  • Access to The Creator Era event, the FiveTwoNine x Patreon Happy Hour and a private brunch with BBC Studios TalentWorks at Cannes Lions

CALLING CREATORS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CONTENT & CREATIVITY

US or UK-based creators – apply, if this reflects where you’re at…


Creative Trailblazers

You post consistently and push boundaries with unique, standout content.

Engaged & Influential

You have 20K+ followers on your primary social platform or 5K+ members on Patreon.

On the Rise

Your content, audience, or creative approach is constantly evolving.

Forward-Thinking

Shaping new ways of creating, sharing and building.

Breaking Barriers

You’ve never been to Cannes Lions and wouldn’t have the chance otherwise.

Vision-LED

Your work and values embody the creative spirit we champion.

GET SELECTED

MAKE CANNES LIONS YOURS

APPLY HERE

5-minute form + video submission

THE JURY VOTES

Meet the jury

Your application will be reviewed by an independent jury of industry leaders shaping the creator economy. With their votes, they’re backing creators with the talent, ambition, and perspective to step into bigger rooms and make it count. The process is rigorous, transparent, and built to recognise real potential.

KEY DATES







JUNE 22-26

CANNES LIONS FESTIVAL

APRIL 14

WINNERS ANNOUNCED


APRIL 1-2

WINNERS NOTIFIED

MARCH 23-31

JURY CAST THEIR VOTES

MARCH 22

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

MARCH 12

APPLICATIONS OPEN

Brands. Be the Change!

We’re opening the door for brands and partners to co-sponsor future Creator Fund events, expanding what this movement can become.

If you want to champion creators, connect with communities, and make a lasting impact - we’re ready to collaborate.

FAQ