The director follows Sir John Hegarty, Dan Wieden and Lee Clow in receiving the award, which is given for a lifetime of services to creativity in communications, and is modelled on the lion statue in St Mark’s Square, Venice, where the first festival was held in 1954.
Pytka is director at the production company bearing his own name. He has made ads for Pepsi, Nike, IBM and General Electric, among others, and is also known for his work with celebrities including Madonna and Tiger Woods.
Terry Savage, the chairman of the Lions festival, said: "Director of some of the best and most well-known TV commercials, Joe Pytka’s prolific and accomplished work has had an enormous influence on TV advertising.
"Producing numerous award-winning ads for many global brands, his creations have inspired and awed peers and audiences alike. It is with great honour and respect that we present Joe with the Lion of St Mark for his outstanding contribution to the industry."
In addition to making ads, Pytka directed the film 'Space Jam', as well as music videos for artists including The Beatles and Michael Jackson.
He will receive his award at the 61st Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on 21 June.
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