On January 9, 2026, the Palais des Festivals in Cannes will host the first edition of the Festival International des Lys d’Or, an event dedicated to coaching, well-being, and human transformation. Conceived as a space for recognition and transmission, the evening will bring together conferences, personal testimonies, artistic performances, and an awards ceremony.
The Festival International des Lys d’Or will welcome a diverse audience from different backgrounds, united by a shared interest in mental health, resilience, and personal development. Founded by Nora Simon, the festival aims to highlight professionals and life journeys that contribute to human transformation—fields that are essential yet often underrepresented.
“The Festival International des Lys d’Or was born from a conviction: to honor those who make human transformation shine. Cannes naturally stood out as the ideal setting. Beyond awards, we want to create encounters, transmission, and shared emotion,” explains Nora Simon.
A Symbolic and Collective Opening
The red carpet ascent will take on a powerful symbolic meaning. Individuals who have overcome major life challenges will walk the steps alongside the professionals who supported them. This shared gesture will mark the opening of an event designed as a moment of collective recognition and dialogue around mental health, resilience, and supportive practices.
For one evening, the Palais des Festivals will become a space devoted to life stories, personal journeys, and committed initiatives centered on healing and transformation.
A Rich and Immersive Program
The evening will begin with a prestige welcome in an immersive atmosphere. Guests, finalists, jurors, artists, and partners will be received by Tutu Prestige hostesses, whose presence will carry a message of body acceptance and physical transformation.
The opening ceremony will unfold with a spiritual and musical dimension, led by Isabella Vieira, a shaman, accompanied by the Chorale du Sud.
The keynote address will be delivered by Nora Simon, inspired by her forthcoming book Run, Nora, Run. Her talk will explore trauma, survival, reconstruction, healing, and female resilience, setting the tone for the evening and introducing the scheduled testimonies.
Among the speakers:
- Paul Fontaine, who will share a life journey shaped by cystic fibrosis.
- Jean-Baptiste, who will reflect on a path built through sport and Paralympic commitment.
- Madonna, who will recount the resurfacing of a buried memory following traumatic amnesia.
Additional testimonies will focus on themes of rebirth, resilience, and transformation.
Artistic interludes will punctuate the evening, with singers and performers accompanying the narratives. Artistic coordination will be overseen by Diamant School, while Grégory Bacchion will offer a musical performance inspired by great composers, including a collaboration honoring Charles Aznavour.
The Coach Transformation Awards Ceremony
A central moment of the evening will be the Coach Transformation Awards ceremony, held within the framework of the Festival International des Lys d’Or. Finalists and jurors will be presented, and the Transformation Award will be presented.
Television host Alicia Fall will serve as mistress of ceremonies, with Angela De Nova as the patron of the evening.
Awards will be presented across seven categories:
- Health and Vitality
- Emotional Transformation
- Resilience and Trauma
- Conscious Leadership
- Parenting and Education
- Awakening and Humanism
- Self-Taught Excellence
A special honorary distinction, the Golden Lily of Female Courage, will recognize a woman whose life journey reflects a major ordeal and an inspiring commitment.
“This award does not celebrate victory, but the light of those who have risen again.”
A Festival Rooted in Meaning and Commitment
The Festival International des Lys d’Or is part of a broader initiative led by the Lumière de Femmes association, founded by Nora Simon. The organization brings together women seeking meaning, healing, and personal empowerment, guided by values of transmission, compassion, and unity.
In Run, Nora, Run, Nora Simon recounts her own journey marked by multiple traumas and family violence, and her path of reconstruction through sport, spirituality, psychotherapy, and coaching. This personal experience led to the creation of the festival and a desire to shine a light on those committed to human transformation.
Closing the Evening
The evening will conclude with a cocktail reception, offering a space for exchanges and encounters between guests, ambassadors, influencers, and participants. Official photographs and informal discussions will extend the experience beyond the ceremony.
The full program, schedule, and practical information are available on the festival’s official website.https://festivaldeslysdor.com/
