Saatchi & Saatchi Brings Exciting Creator Showcase to SXSW London After Cannes Lions

Saatchi & Saatchi has announced a significant shift in its New Creators’ Showcase, moving the event to SXSW London and ending a 36-year partnership with the Cannes Lions festival.

This transition was revealed as the agency opened entries for the New Creators’ Showcase 2026, which will be held at SXSW London in June as part of a new collaboration with the UK iteration of the renowned festival.

Since its inception in 1991, the showcase has been an annual highlight at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, celebrating outstanding creativity, storytelling, and visual innovation. Previous winners include notable figures such as The Daniels and Jonathan Glazer.

“New Creators’ Showcase has been the highlight of my Cannes for much longer than I’ve had the privilege to curate it,” said Franki Goodwin, Chief Creative Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi. “We are eternally grateful to them for supporting the showcase on such an important global stage for the past three and a half decades.”

Goodwin emphasized the agency’s commitment to evolving the showcase. “As the custodians of this legendary piece of industry IP, we have a responsibility to evolve it, and with a new home at SXSW London, we’re excited to expand the access and the format to build a future-facing industry entry point for emerging talent where film, music, and innovation converge,” she noted.

The showcase aims to provide a platform for emerging creators worldwide, helping them gain visibility and connect with industry decision makers. Curated by Goodwin alongside Jess Ringshall, Chief Production Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi, the 2026 edition will accept submissions from all forms of moving image media.

As part of its partnership with SXSW London, each shortlisted creator will have the opportunity to present their work on stage at the Shoreditch event scheduled for June 4. Saatchi & Saatchi is also committed to collaborating with featured creators within its network, providing hands-on support and expert guidance from production teams.

In a new development for 2026, Saatchi & Saatchi will introduce a dedicated music showcase featuring live performances from emerging artists seeking to engage in commercial projects within the creative sectors.

The second edition of SXSW London, taking place from June 1 to 6, will span over 20 venues in Shoreditch, featuring a diverse talks program focused on film, TV, technology, the creator economy, music, and sport, alongside cinema initiatives.

SXSW London’s Chief Programming Officer, Katy Arnander, remarked, “SXSW London is all about creating a space where creative minds can come together to test ideas, challenge them, and take them forward. At its core is the convergence of technology, film, music, and culture, bringing together the creative, advertising, and marketing communities in one place.” Arnander added, “The New Creators’ Showcase is a key part of that. We share a clear ambition to support the next generation of creative talent, making this partnership with Saatchi & Saatchi such a natural fit.”

She concluded, “We’re looking forward to working together to shape the next chapter of the Showcase, allowing us to back new talent with real intent and connect them with the people, ideas, and opportunities that can shape what comes next.”