List of winners at the Joy Awards 2026 ceremony in Riyadh
On a magical night that brought together a host of the brightest stars of art, sports, and media in the Arab world, the Saudi capital, Riyadh, hosted the Joy Awards 2026 ceremony, held at the ANB Arena. This prominent annual event, part of Riyadh Season, has become a global platform celebrating Arab creativity and honoring excellence in various fields, further cementing the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for culture and the arts in the region.
A strong comeback for Fadl Shaker and a resurgence of Arab drama
The ceremony was filled with touching and historic moments, most notably Lebanese singer Fadel Shaker winning the "Favorite Artist" award in the music category, an event that resonated deeply with the audience. The musical awards weren't limited to the father alone, however, extending to the younger generation, as his son, Mohamed Fadel Shaker, won the "Favorite New Face" award in the music category. This segment featured a particularly emotional moment when Mohamed dedicated his award to his father, announcing the happy news to the audience that a new grandchild was on the way this year, adding a warm and human touch to the evening.
In the realm of drama, Syrian actresses continued their brilliance, with the esteemed Karis Bashar winning the "Favorite Actress" award in the series category, reaffirming her status as one of the leading stars in the Arab world. Amidst the fierce competition among dramas, the Egyptian series "Ashghal Shaka" (Apartment Work) was crowned "Favorite Egyptian Series," while the series "Salma" won the "Levantine Series" award. The creators of "Salma" took to the stage to celebrate this achievement, which reflects the development of Arab drama production.
Yassine Bounou and honoring global icons
In the sports category, Moroccan international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou continued his winning streak, culminating in the "Favorite Athlete" award. This honor recognizes his illustrious career and consistent brilliance, both with his national team and on Saudi Arabian pitches, making him a beloved sporting icon among Arab fans.
The ceremony also honored influential figures globally and regionally, with Qatari businessman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, receiving the Diamond Entertainment Industry Award. Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, presented him with the award in recognition of his significant contributions to the sports and entertainment industry worldwide. Former Egyptian Minister of Culture, artist Farouk Hosny, was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his long and distinguished career enriching the Arab cultural and artistic landscape.
The importance of the event in the cultural scene
The Joy Awards ceremony is more than just an awards event; it's a pivotal part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to bolster the entertainment sector and establish Riyadh as a global hub for creativity. The ceremony brings together leading stars and decision-makers annually, making it an opportunity to strengthen cultural and artistic ties between Arab nations and to highlight talents who have made a lasting impact on audiences.
