Details of the Joy Awards 2026 shield: A golden falcon designed by Chopard
As the countdown nears its end for the biggest entertainment event in the Middle East, the eyes of the Arab world are turning to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, where the Joy Awards 2026 . The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday evening, January 17th, at the ANB Arena, as part of the Riyadh Season organized by the General Entertainment Authority. It will bring together a host of the brightest stars in art, sports, and influential content creators.
A global partnership that reflects Saudi identity
In a move that underscores the festival's global standing, Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director of the prestigious Swiss jewelry and watch house Chopard, revealed the intricate details of this year's award trophy design. This collaboration, now in its second year, further solidifies the connection between international luxury and authentic Saudi identity.
Scheufele explained that the shield's design was not accidental, but rather carefully inspired by the falcon, a deeply rooted historical and cultural symbol in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula. In Saudi heritage, the falcon embodies pride, strength, and dignity, as well as keen eyesight and the ability to swoop—qualities that resonate with the creative stars who have achieved success and distinction in their fields.
70 hours of handcrafted work in Geneva
Regarding the technical details of the manufacturing process, Chopard's artistic director indicated that work on the design began last May, with the prototyping phase alone taking six weeks to ensure the accuracy of the details. She emphasized that the company was keen to present a falcon that is "moving" in its design, rather than static, to express the dynamism and vitality inherent in art and entertainment.
Each shield is handcrafted in the Maison's workshops in Geneva, requiring approximately 70 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. The trophy is distinguished by its 18-karat gold plating and hand-carved black onyx eyes, each centered with a delicate yellow iris. The masterpiece rests on a polished brass base with a finish that mimics the brilliance of diamonds, lending it an air of absolute luxury.
Joy Awards... More than just a ceremony
The Joy Awards ceremony is more than just an awards event; it has become a cultural and artistic platform that enhances the Kingdom's position as a global entertainment destination. The ceremony reflects the significant development of the entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia within the framework of Vision 2030, combining public appreciation through direct voting with a celebration of high-quality artistic criticism.
The voting phase witnessed unprecedented public interaction through the official application, as the public has the final say in choosing the winners from among the final lists that include top stars in cinema, drama, music, and sports, making the award a true expression of the taste of the Arab public.
