JOY AWARDS 2026 in Riyadh: Date and Full List of Nominees
The eyes of the Arab world and beyond will be on Riyadh, the Saudi capital, on Saturday, January 17, as it prepares to host the sixth edition of the Joy Awards, the largest event of its kind in the region, as part of Riyadh Season. Sponsored by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), the ceremony will serve as a comprehensive tribute to creative talents in film, drama, music, sports, and influencers.
An exceptional event reflecting the evolution of the art scene
The JOY AWARDS festival is no longer just an awards ceremony; over the past few years, it has transformed into a global platform reflecting the qualitative leap that Saudi Arabia is witnessing in the entertainment and cultural sector. The event serves as a bridge for cultural and artistic exchange, bringing together under one roof major Hollywood and Bollywood stars alongside leading figures from the Arab world. This edition is particularly significant as it culminates a year brimming with artistic productions (2025), further solidifying Riyadh's position as a regional capital of culture and the arts.
Details of the big night and the broadcasting channels
The ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM Saudi time, in the presence of His Excellency Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority. The event will commence with the stars walking on the "Lavender Carpet," which has replaced the traditional red carpet to reflect the color lavender, a symbol associated with Saudi identity, representing generosity and authenticity.
The public can follow the event moment by moment via a unified live broadcast on MBC Group channels (MBC1, MBC Egypt, MBC Iraq, MBC5) in addition to the “Shahid” platform, where the ceremony includes live musical performances and dazzling entertainment segments.
The clash of giants in cinema and drama
The film category is witnessing fierce competition between four films: “Al-Zarfa,” “Siko Siko,” “The Wedding of Fire,” and “Hobal.” In the acting category, major stars like Maged El-Kedwany and Ahmed Malek are vying for the Best Actor award, while the competition among the leading ladies is intense between Donia Samir Ghanem, Hana El-Zahed, Aya Samaha, and Shujoun Al-Hajri.
In the television series , the nominations are diverse, encompassing Gulf, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern productions. The Egyptian series "Ashghal Shaka Jiddan" and "Esh Esh" stand out, while "Al Marsa" and "Shari' Al A'sha" compete in the Gulf region. The cast includes prominent names such as Elham Ali, Amina Khalil, Karis Bashar, Abdulmohsen Al Nemer, and Hesham Maged.
Music, sports, and influencers
In the world of music , the younger generation is competing with veterans, with names like “Al-Shami” and “Tawlih” standing out alongside Assala, Angham, and Nancy Ajram. In the sports , football stars like Salem Al-Dawsari and Yassine Bounou are at the forefront, along with female champions in various sports such as Donia Abu Taleb in taekwondo.
The selection of winners in this festival depends entirely on public voting via the JOY AWARDS app, which gives the awards broad public credibility, as the public is the first and last judge in crowning their favorite stars for their work during the past year.
