In a celebration of creativity and innovation in the entertainment industry, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced that it will honor Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mattel, as the Entertainment Person of the Year for 2024. This prestigious award recognizes Kreiz’s vital role in shaping the marketing and communications landscape through compelling and meaningful entertainment content.
Under Kreiz’s leadership, Mattel has undergone a remarkable multi-year transformation strategy, establishing itself as an IP-driven, high-performing toy company. His vision has propelled Mattel Films to announce an impressive 16 motion pictures in active development with major studio partners, solidifying the company’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
The crowning achievement of Kreiz’s tenure has been the cultural phenomenon that is the “Barbie” movie. Released in 2023, the film became a global box office sensation, achieving the industry’s 14th-highest grossing movie of all time. Its impact extended beyond the silver screen, as the culture-shifting “Barbie” was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and took home the coveted Oscar for Best Original Song.
Mattel’s entertainment offerings extend far beyond the silver screen, encompassing television, consumer products, digital games, live events and experiences, publishing, and music. This diversified portfolio has contributed to Mattel’s success, as the company secured the #1 toy company position in the U.S. for the 30th consecutive year in 2023, according to Circana, while achieving its largest annual share gain on record.
Commenting on the prestigious award, Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS, said:
“We are delighted to be honoring Ynon and recognizing Mattel for their continued commitment to creativity in entertainment. The strong leadership of Mattel has led to it becoming an innovative global toy and family entertainment company. By unlocking the potential of its core assets and IP, Mattel has strengthened the company’s relevance and appeal of its iconic global portfolio. Through Barbie particularly, Ynon has opened the aperture of the brand, broadening its cultural resonance and commercial success.”
Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mattel, expressed his gratitude, stating:
“At its core, Mattel is a creative company fueled by innovation and guided by our purpose. We are driven by the knowledge that the people who buy our products are more than consumers, they are fans with an emotional connection to our brands. It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the prestigious Cannes Lions, and to share this with the global team at Mattel whose passion fosters our creativity, every day.”
Kreiz will deliver a keynote seminar on Friday, June 21, and will receive the Entertainment Person of the Year award during the Cannes Lions Awards Show that evening. This recognition from the esteemed Cannes Lions Festival serves as a testament to Mattel’s commitment to creativity and innovation, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
