Photo credit: Adrianne Smith
Adrianne C. Smith has never been interested in simply opening doors. Instead, she kicks them down and then makes sure they stay down.
As founder of the Cannes Diversity Collective, Smith has spent nearly a decade changing the Cannes Lions Festival. She transformed it from one of the world’s most exclusive creative gatherings into a genuine global gateway. Since 2018, she has helped more than 200 creatives from six continents attend a festival that was not even on their radar before.
She also serves as Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer at Fleischmann Hillard. Fresh off Cannes Lions 2026, Smith sat down to discuss what shifted this year. She also broke down what Oprah’s long-awaited appearance revealed about the influencer economy. Additionally, she explained why AI is a tool and not a threat, and why doubting Black creative talent makes no sense when the culture gets co-opted daily.
Adrienne, how was Cannes Lions 2026, and what did this year’s experience tell you about where the collective stands?
First, we’ll start with the weather it was hot. This was probably one of the hottest Cannes Lions festivals I’ve attended in almost 10 years. Beyond the temperature, however, the experience was different for me. Inkwell Beach had a smaller physical footprint than in previous years. So mentally, I was already operating in a different headspace.
On the other hand, CCDC was founded to provide access and opportunity to communities that have lacked that access. On that front, we performed 10 out of 10. We brought 27 people to the Croisette. Together, they represented three continents: North America, South America, and Europe. The foundation was fully intact, and that’s what matters most. The mission was still in place, and I was genuinely excited about that.
Adrianne, since 2018, you’ve helped over 200 creatives attend Cannes. How do you ensure that access translates into real career movement?
One of the foundational pieces of CCDC is succession planning. We are not a one-hit wonder. The idea is to continue giving back. As a result, many of our ambassadors return as volunteers. That connectivity stays within the organization and with the people we support.
Because of that, over 400 people apply every year. Everyone sees the impact firsthand. We bring people from HBCUs through to mid and senior-level professionals. When they return home, our ROI is the storytelling they carry. Through the CCDC Ambassador Program, people have landed new jobs. Others have reestablished themselves as leaders within their organizations. Many have started speaking on global stages. In short, we level up everyone who takes full advantage of the experience.
Adrianne, beyond reach and footprint, what has evolved most in terms of influence and infrastructure?
One key shift this year was the number of creators and influencers on the ground. It genuinely changed the environment. For me, that is the foundational proof of what inclusion and impact does it creates a level playing field.
In the past, you needed a major creative body of work or an agency behind you. Without that, you were not invited to the table. Now, however, the Cannes Lions Festival has created the ERA program. ERA stands for Equity, Representation, and Accessibility. This program gives organizations the chance to apply for free passes. That is socioeconomic inclusion in action. It broadens who gets to influence the space. Personally, I believe CCDC helped change that landscape by elevating conversations around inclusion and impact. The festival has since reflected that shift.
Adrianne, Cannes 2026 had Oprah everywhere. What did her presence reveal about the influencer economy?
First, the Cannes Lions team had been trying to get Oprah there for 14 years. She finally showed up this year. I attended her panel session. What struck me most was her clear realization of herself as a brand influencer. In my interpretation, she showed up to say: I am the premier influencer, and let me show you how this is done.
What I took from that, though, is a broader point. To be a real influencer, you need a solid platform and infrastructure around you. For example, we had a young woman on one of our TikTok panels the creator behind the Dr. Pepper jingle. She reportedly earned $2 million from that moment. However, my immediate question was: who is protecting her career? That viral moment could become a full career path. Therefore, we need spaces for influencers to attend, but we also need to build the infrastructure that creates longevity around them.
Adrianne, the consensus at Cannes seemed to be that AI is a tool, not a full strategy. Did that reflect what you observed?
Absolutely. Many people fear AI because they think it will take their jobs. In reality, however, AI is a time saver and a creative partner. It helps you move ideas from your brain into reality. Furthermore, if you frame it as a partner and use the tools properly, creatives can do even more with what they already have.
That said, we must be careful. We now see AI-generated content so polished that you can’t tell it from reality. So, the key question becomes: who do you trust, and where is the information coming from? The people who will thrive are those who learn the tools, fact-check consistently, and ensure real representation exists in what these systems produce.
Adrianne, AI also carries risks of bias and extracting from communities without credit. What principles should the industry establish now?
That question goes right to the heart of why inclusion and impact matter. We cannot recreate the digital divide. Previously, entire communities lacked access to emerging technology. Therefore, I encourage everyone to get involved now. Learn how to prompt. Learn how to use the tools. Make sure real representation exists within them.
Organizations must fact-check, source-check, and double back. Yes, it feels like more work. However, if you want authentic, trustworthy content, that rigor is essential. Moreover, the more diverse voices we bring into shaping these tools, the more the output reflects actual truth. You cannot be a bystander in this process. Additionally, the stakes are real: employers now ask in job interviews whether you know these tools. If your answer is no, they move on. Ultimately, AI won’t take your job but someone who knows how to use it will.
Adrianne, you’ve already announced Cannes Lions 2027 dates June 21 through 25. What can people expect?
First, expect forward-focused movement and fresh thinking about the creative world. The diversity of creatives attending will grow. Moreover, the level of accountability around authentic creative work will increase. Audiences now expect more. They expect you to think with a global lens and connect with people whose insight expands your worldview.
Additionally, I want the industry to hit what scientists call escape velocity. That is the threshold moment where you build enough momentum that you don’t return to mediocre work. Right now, we’re in a stall zone because of global uncertainty. However, we are only here for a short time. So why not go for it? Why not create a moment for the next generation so they don’t repeat the same cycles? That forward-focused mindset is exactly what I’m bringing to 2027.
Adrianne, what is one outdated belief about Black creative talent that the industry must finally retire?
Honestly, I don’t believe there is an outdated belief about what we have to offer. Here’s why. If people truly thought Black creative work was irrelevant, the co-opting of our culture would stop. But it doesn’t stop. It happens daily. So, clearly, the value is well understood.
It only bothers people who are not centered in themselves. We are always on the cutting edge of what’s new and what’s next. As my dad would say, we are the mothers of civilization everything comes from us. Furthermore, the more you connect with us, the more opportunities you have to grow. We are the fertilizing soil of all kinds of creativity. So, rather than retiring a belief, I’d rather people stop co-opting and start properly crediting. As long as the co-opting continues, the value speaks for itself.
Adrianne, for creatives who want to join the 2027 ambassador program, what do they need to do?
With 400 applications for only 30 spots, getting in early is essential. When applications open in late October or early November, jump in immediately. Also, join what we call the harvest sessions. In those sessions, previous ambassadors walk you through the process step by step. They cover what a winning application looks like, what winning energy looks like, and how to maximize your return on investment once you arrive. Additionally, think about how you’ll give back afterward. Succession planning is the soul of everything we do. We don’t just knock doors down we make sure they stay down so others can keep walking through.
Follow the Cannes Diversity Collective on Instagram at Inkwellbeachcannes and visit candiversitycollective.com for updates on the 2027 ambassador program. You can also follow Adrianne C. Smith directly on Instagram at Adrianne Insta.
Source: According to Porsha, featuring Porsha Monique and Adrianne C. Smith
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