Riyadh Hosts Star-Studded Sixth Edition of Joy Awards
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was the epicenter of global entertainment on Saturday, January 17, 2026, as it hosted the sixth annual Joy Awards. The prestigious ceremony, organized by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) as a highlight of the Riyadh Season, gathered an impressive array of Arab and international A-listers at the ANB Arena to celebrate excellence across various creative fields. The event underscored Riyadh's burgeoning role as a central hub for the entertainment industry in the region.
A Galaxy of Stars on the Lavender Carpet
The much-anticipated 'lavender carpet' saw a dazzling procession of celebrities. International luminaries included American pop star Katy Perry, who opened the show with a spectacular performance, and British singer Robbie Williams, who also took to the stage. Other notable international attendees featured British actress Millie Bobby Brown, American actor Forest Whitaker, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and Hollywood actors such as Oscar Isaac, Alexander Ludwig, Lee Byung-hun, Alfie Allen, Jeremy Piven, Heather Graham, and Travis Fimmel.
The event also drew a significant presence of Arab talent, including singers Angham, Mohammed Abdo, Nancy Ajram, and Elissa. Prominent actors like Abdulmohsen Al-Nimr, Karis Bashar, Shujoun Al-Hajri, and Maged El Kedwany were among the many Arab stars gracing the event. Turkish drama stars such as Hande Ercel, Meryem Uzerli, Tuba Buyukustun, and Halit Ergenc also made a notable appearance.
Celebrating Achievements Across Diverse Categories
The Joy Awards 2026 recognized achievements across 15 major categories spanning film, drama, music, sports, and content creation, with winners determined by public voting. Key accolades presented during the evening included:
- Personality of the Year: Millie Bobby Brown
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Forest Whitaker and Farouk Hosny
- Diamond Joy Award: Nasser Al-Khelaifi
- Best Film: 'Siko Siko'
- Best Actress (Film): Shujoun Al-Hajri for 'The Wedding of Fire'
- Best Actor (Film): Maged El Kedwany for 'Fiha Eh Yaani'
- Best Gulf Series: 'Al-A'sha Street'
- Best Egyptian TV Series: 'Very apartment-related work' (Ashghal Shaqqa Geddan)
- Best Actress (TV Series): Karis Bashar for 'Under the Seventh Ground'
- Best Actor (TV Series): Abdulmohsen Al-Nimr for 'Al-Marsa'
- Best Male Artist: Fadl Shaker
- Best Female Artist: Angham
- Best Male Athlete: Yassine Bounou
- Best Female Athlete: Laila Al-Qahtani
- Favorite Female Influencer: Rateel Alshehri
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of new trophies, designed in collaboration with Chopard and inspired by the falcon, symbolizing the spirit of the awards. The event concluded, solidifying its reputation as a significant platform for recognizing and celebrating talent on both a regional and global scale.
5 Comments
Katchuka
All this glitz feels like a distraction. What about real issues?
KittyKat
Recognizing diverse talents across film, music, and sports is a positive step for the region's creative industries. Yet, the public voting system can sometimes lead to popularity contests, potentially overlooking more deserving but less famous artists.
Katchuka
Katy Perry opening and SRK attending? The Joy Awards are on another level!
Loubianka
Too many categories, too many awards. It dilutes the meaning.
ZmeeLove
Bringing top-tier global artists like Katy Perry certainly elevates the event's profile and puts Riyadh on the world stage. But the sustainability of such lavish productions year after year, and their true economic benefit, remains a valid concern.