RIYADH: Riyadh hosted its annual Joy Awards on Jan. 17, bringing together stars and creative projects from across the Arab world for an event that has been held annually since 2022.
The 2026 ceremony continued its focus on recognizing storytelling and creative work, while highlighting projects released over the past year.
Awards were presented across six sectors; music, cinema, series, directors, sports and influencers. In addition to the category awards, the ceremony also honored recipients of special accolades, including Personality of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Joy Honorary awards.
Previous events have recognized Arab and international figures for their contributions to the arts, including Matthew McConaughey, who received the Personality of the Year Award in 2025.
Amid the Kingdom’s expansion of its entertainment sector — spanning film, music and sports — the Joy Awards reflected Riyadh Season’s role in hosting large-scale cultural events.
This year’s fan-favorite nominees, many of whom were Saudi nationals, were cheered as they walked the Joy Awards’ iconic lavender carpet, where fashion once again took center stage as a key expression of the region’s evolving creative identity.
Among winners who took home the awards was Saudi 14-year-old Rateel Alshehri, who won Favorite Female Influencer. Speaking to Arab News on the lavender carpet, Alshehri shared her excitement, saying: “I’m so excited about being at the Joy Awards. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to. Everyone here deserves to be here.”
Alshehri shared that she was wearing a sky-blue gown by Saudi designer Adnan Akbar.
Alshehri’s excitement was echoed by both Arab and non-Arab guests on the lavender carpet, as many took in the unique atmosphere that Riyadh offers.
Lebanese actor Laila Abdullah also shared her enthusiasm toward both the award show and the Kingdom’s ambitions in creating a hub for creative voices.
Speaking to Arab News, she said the awards had “this mix of culture and luxury. It has that Gulf Arab character, the Saudi touch, you know? And that’s what really makes it stand out.”
The event was filled with a bustling energy that gave a platform to artists and talents who have been waiting to showcase their visions within the Arab world.
It was a celebration that went beyond mere award-giving; reflecting the same ambition and creative momentum that defines Riyadh Season.
Speaking to Arab News, Australian actor Luke Arnold shared his excitement toward attending the event, and added: “What I’m most excited about is kind of what I love about film and television, which is people from all over the world coming together to tell stories and share their expertise.
“It’s really exciting hearing about some of the potential projects happening (and) meeting some of the local talent here. (I am) just really excited to have more stories out in the world.”
Lebanese fashion influencer Karen Wazen reiterated the sentiment on Riyadh giving the Joy Awards a special and unique energy for the arts, saying: “I am so impressed. I’m so proud to be at an event like this in our region, in Saudi Arabia. This is probably the most impressive and big carpet that I’ve ever seen. I’m very excited to watch the ceremony, but also I think to just meet so many people from our industries; it’s a beautiful place to do so.”
Millie Bobby Brown won the Personality of the Year Award while the Lifetime Achievement honor went to actor Forest Whitaker.
On the stage, American pop star Katy Perry performed her iconic songs, while British singer Robbie Williams also gave a standout performance.
The Joy Awards 2026 once again proved that setting new benchmarks in entertainment and creative expression is not only achievable, but celebrated when driven by local talent and support.
As stars from around the world took to Riyadh’s lavender carpet, Arab culture was placed firmly at the forefront — spanning film, music, and digital creativity. The Joy Awards stand as a symbol of the broader cultural transformation that Riyadh is championing across the Arab world’s entertainment industry.
