Although Cannes is often referred to only in the context of the amazing annual Cannes International Film Festival, people should be aware that Cannes also hosts one of the more renowned advertising conferences. The 2010 Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival recently came to an end and with it, showcased some of the biggest and best advertising campaigns of the year. The festival is the largest of it’s kind bringing together professionals in visuals arts, marketing and advertising as well as creative filmmakers from all over the world. Originating in 1954 as part of the original film festival, the Lions became so popular and well attended that it has since developed it’s own identity as the biggest advertising conference in the world. With entries from over 90 countries, attendees were treated to some great international campaigns as well as what is to come in terms of online advertising and television commercials.

Here are this year’s winners:

Promo and Activation (Best Integrated Promotional Campaign) and for PR – REPLAY by Gatorade

Direct (Best Integrated Campaign) – ORCON + IGGY POP recording The Passenger

Outdoor (Billboard) – Diesel’s Smart Campaign

Media (Best Use of Social Marketing) – EOS Photochains by CANON

Press (Publications and Media) – Billboard Magazine

Digitally Integrated Campaign – Fun Theory by Volkswagon

Interactive Digital Solutions – Livestrong Foundation by Nike

Design – IQ Font by Toyota

Film – The Man Your Man Could Smell Like by Old Spice

Film Craft – The Gift by Philips