KFC Thailand Wins Historic Gold in Film at Cannes Lions 2025 for ‘Let There Be Cake’

KFC Thailand has made history with its first-ever Cannes Lions win, earning a prestigious Gold Lion in the Film category at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The recognition also marks parent company Yum! Brands’ first ever Gold in Film at the festival, celebrating not only a standout campaign but a milestone achievement for the brand on the global creative stage.

The award-winning campaign, ‘Let There Be Cake,’ was launched in celebration of KFC Thailand’s 40th anniversary and is a testament to the power of bold ideas and cross-cultural collaboration. Created in partnership with core creative agency Bananas, Bangkok-based Brains & Brawn, Cape Town’s Carbon Films, and Thailand’s own TAPROD, the project brought together diverse creative talents and perspectives from around the world, showcasing how truly global thinking can create work that resonates universally.

Inspired by the viral “Real or Cake?” internet trend, the film takes viewers through a whimsical, visually rich world where everything, limbs, furniture, motor bikes, transform into cake. Everything, that is, except for one Finger Lickin’ constant, KFC’s signature fried chicken. Juicy, crispy, and unmistakably real, it remains the hero of the story, bringing people together in anticipation of something worth celebrating. With extraordinary craft, imagination, and a sharp cultural insight, the campaign delivers a compelling reminder of the brand’s promise: real food, real taste, real joy.

Suhayl Limbada, Market Lead and Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Thailand, and is one of the judges for the Young Lions Marketers Competition 2025, shared his thoughts on the win: “Winning a Gold Lion in Film at Cannes Lions is one of the rarest accomplishments in advertising, it’s a category known for its exceptional standards and intense global competition. This recognition is a reflection of the relentless passion, creative bravery, and sheer humanity behind the work. In an age where AI tools are increasingly shaping the creative process, ‘Let There Be Cake’ stands as proof that human imagination, emotional storytelling, and cultural nuance still make the most powerful work.”

“This campaign is the result of a shared belief among our team and partners that creativity isn’t just about entertainment, it’s a strategic force that drives brand growth. By daring to do something different, we not only ignited cravings, we reignited what KFC stands for: taste, connection, and the authenticity that only real food, and real ideas can deliver.”

More than an advertising success, this moment represents a brand that embraces risk, celebrates originality, and believes in the long-term value of meaningful creative work. KFC Thailand’s Cannes Lions Gold is not just an accolade, it’s a reaffirmation that human-made ideas, grounded in insight and crafted with care, continue to set the standard in global advertising.

In an industry constantly evolving, this win underscores that brave creativity, diverse thinking, and deep collaboration still win hearts and Lions.

About KFC:

KFC, one of the largest brands of quick service restaurants (QSR) and is popular all over the world. Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders since 1952 with a commitment to improving and offering delicious and unique fried chicken menu of excellent quality to customers who love fried chicken. In Thailand, the first KFC store was established in 1985 at Central Ladprao Department Store. Currently, there are 1,145 KFC branches nationwide (as of December 2024).Brand and franchise management by YUM Restaurants International (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and KFC restaurant management by 3 franchisees. 

1. Central Restaurants Group Co., Ltd. (CRG)

2. Restaurant Development Co., Ltd. (RD)

3. The QSR of Asia Co., Ltd. (QSA)