Teletubbies Dance for LGBTQ+ Rights at Canva Beach Pride Party at Cannes Lions

While the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has yet to establish an official category for the most spectacular party, the 2026 edition may as well hand out the trophy early. The graphic design platform Canva has made an undeniable impression by throwing a vibrant Pride celebration on Thursday night, wrapping up a week that featured high-profile panels with Oprah Winfrey, Colin Jost, and Carmelo Anthony. Set on a beach along the famed Croisette, the event was a deliberate show of support for LGBTQ+ rights at a time when many companies are pulling back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts. This stance stands out sharply against the current landscape: a 2024 McKinsey study found that while 90% of corporations publicly endorse DE&I, only 30% have maintained or increased funding for these programs over the past year, revealing a clear disconnect between stated values and actual investment. The choice of a beachfront location, a prime spot on the Croisette, is a strategic one—this area is known for attracting high-profile attendees and extensive media coverage, making it an ideal venue for such a visible statement.

Jimmy Knowles, Canva's global head of experiential, highlighted the gathering's deeper meaning. "At a moment when so many companies appear to be retreating from DE&I, it means everything to work for an organization that is leaning in—so proudly and unapologetically," he said. The Canva Creative Cabana Pride party kicked off with a parade of European drag queens performing on stage to hits from Katy Perry and Rihanna. Guests were treated to complimentary ice cream and frozen Smirnoff cocktails—one attendee remarked, "I haven't had this since I was in high school"—alongside face painting from a French artist wielding containers of paint and glitter. The event was part of the Canva Creative Cabana, a space co-hosted by Variety where top C-suite executives from around the world gathered for interviews during the Cannes Lions festival. This partnership with Variety is part of a broader trend: media outlets are increasingly co-hosting branded spaces at festivals to attract executive-level networking, with Canva's cabana reportedly hosting over 50 interviews during the week.

The night's finale, however, was genuinely unexpected: the Teletubbies. The iconic 1990s children's characters took the stage to champion love and inclusivity. Tinky Winky, the purple Teletubby who sparked controversy in 1999 when televangelist Jerry Falwell claimed the character was gay—a rumor that persists to this day—led the dance alongside Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po. As the crowd roared with delight, the foursome proved their rock-star credentials by leaping off the stage to mingle with fans, shimmying to Britney Spears' "Toxic." Their appearance at Cannes Lions was arranged through WildBrain Media Solutions, a global kids' advertising company, to celebrate the Teletubbies' upcoming 30th anniversary. The Teletubbies, originally created by Anne Wood and Andrew Davenport for the BBC, have remained a cultural touchstone for three decades, with their simple, colorful design and emphasis on playful learning continuing to resonate with new generations. When approached for an interview, a representative informed Variety, "The Teletubbies themselves don't speak, but we will have several folks from the WildBrain Media Solutions team in attendance who can 'translate' answers." However, as the characters departed with a trail of groupies seeking selfies, their publicist was nowhere to be found.

Variety eventually spoke with Emma Witkowski, WildBrain's vice president of Media Solutions, who was still covered in glitter as partygoers danced with rainbow-colored fans. "The Teletubbies' DNA is all about joy and inclusivity," she explained. "This was the perfect collaboration." The Teletubbies' appearance, while whimsical, underscores a deeper message: in an era of corporate caution, bold, inclusive gestures can still make a splash. This event serves as a reminder that visible support for marginalized communities can cut through the noise of a crowded festival, even when many brands are opting for safer, less controversial approaches.