The Joy Awards is a celebration of music, movies, series, sports, and digital content that champion creativity and, well, joy. Going 6 years strong, the event is a tribute to those using their art as a means of positive impact. Held this Saturday, January 17, at Riyadh’s ANB Arena, the lavender carpet was chock full of regional and international celebrities coming together as the Kingdom continues to highlight its position in global culture.
Among them was the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, and California Gurl, Katy Perry, who appeared at the lavender carpet in a Waad Aloqail gown, before changing into a sand-toned pantsuit to open the ceremony. Other musical performances of the night included Robbie Williams and classical vocal group, Il Divo.
Lebanese designer Elie Saab was a common favourite among those who attended, dressing 7 guests, including influencer Karen Wazen and actress Hande Erçel. Whereas Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown was spotted in a silver Tamara Ralph haute couture gown. On the modest side, we saw actress Dorra Zarrouk attending in a midnight black gown by Georges Chakra, with embellishments resembling stars. Singer Huda Al Fahad appeared in a striking purple crystal gown by SOLANGEL, paired with furs and a silver crystal clutch, while Egyptian actress Malak Zaher turned heads with a cape gown by Mirna Jawhari. Mesh and large floral appliques stole the show, making for dramatic movement all over the lavender carpet.
As for the winners of the night, the event brought forth a cross-section of Arab talent while spotlighting accomplished international personalities. Below is a complete list of all the 2026 Joy Awards’ winners:
Favourite Rising Star
Tarf Al Obaidi
Favourite Series Actress
Karess Bashar
Favourite Series Actor
Abdulmohsen Al Nemer
Favourite Series Director
Ahmed Katikxiz and Ghul Saralton
Favourite Gulf Series
Shari’ Al A’asha
Favourite Egyptian Series
Ashghal Shaqqa Geddan
Favourite Levant Series
Salma
Favourite Movie
Siko Siko
Favourite Movie Actress
Shujoun Al Hajri
Favourite Movie Actor
Maged El Kedwany
Favourite Movie Director
Omar Al Mohandes
Favourite Song
Sahak Al Shawq – Fadel Shaker
Favourite Female Singer
Angham
Favourite Male Singer
Fadel Shaker
Favourite New Artist
Mohammed Shaker
Favourite Male Athlete
Yassine Bounou
Favourite Female Athlete
Laila Al Qahtani
Favourite Male Influencer
Rayan Al Ahmari
Favourite Female Influencer
Rateel Al Shehri
Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
Forest Whitaker and Farouk Hosny
Personality of the Year
Millie Bobby Brown
Joy Honoraries
Saleh Al Areedh, Assala Nasri, Amr Mostafa, and Ahmed Al Dougji
Diamond Entertainment Industry Award
Nasser Al Khelaifi
