Publicis Marks 100 Years With AI-Led “Wishes” Film Celebrating Century of Reinvention

As Publicis Groupe approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, the company has unveiled a special edition of its long-running annual “Wishes” film, tracing the journey from its beginnings as a small creative shop in Montmartre in 1926to becoming the world’s largest advertising holding company today. Created by Publicis Conseil, the agency founded by Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet, the production blends live-action performances with advanced AI-driven tools built on the Groupe’s proprietary technology platforms.

The film captures the company’s century-long story of constant transformation, highlighting moments of growth, disruption and reinvention across wars, fires, economic downturns, technological upheavals and even a global pandemic. By combining human storytelling with next-generation AI production, the campaign positions Publicis not only as a creative business shaped by history, but as one ready to define the next era of advertising and communications.

Reflecting on the milestone, Arthur Sadoun, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe, described 2026 as a defining moment for the company  closing its first century after evolving from a “hot shop in Montmartre” into the industry’s largest holding group over the past two years. He noted that the company has “risen from the ashes” on multiple occasions, constantly reinventing itself to meet the demands of changing times. That spirit of resilience, he said, is at the heart of the new “Wishes” film, symbolised by the phrase “a lion never gives up.”

Looking ahead, Sadoun added that the company’s second century will be closely shaped by the accelerating rise of artificial intelligence. The latest “Wishes” film is framed as a human, historical and technological odyssey, combining creative talent with AI production capabilities to express the Groupe’s belief that while AI will redefine possibilities, people will remain central to creativity, leadership and innovation.