Riyadh hosted the sixth edition of the Joy Awards, marking a major highlight of the ongoing Riyadh Season entertainment celebrations. The event brought together leading figures from art, cinema, television, music, sports, and social media, creating an evening full of glamour and excitement.
The ceremony took place under the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) in partnership with MBC, with the audience enjoying a vibrant atmosphere both in person and via live broadcasts on MBC1, MBC Egypt, MBC Iraq, MBC5, and the Shahid platform. Consequently, millions followed the arrivals, performances, and awards announcements.
International singer Katy Perry opened the show with a visually stunning performance, combining dancers, orchestral music, and advanced lighting effects. Her segment set the tone for the evening, reflecting the scale of planning and production. Following this, the “Bilopoulos” team presented a shadow dance performance that engaged the audience through innovative visual storytelling.
The awards segments included prominent television, series, and acting categories. Abdulmohsen Al-Nemer won Best Actor for his role in “Al-Marsa,” while “Salma” received Best Eastern Series. Taraf Al-Obaidi earned Best Newcomer for her work in “My Mother.” The Best Gulf Series award went to “Shari’ Al-A’sha,” and Karis Bashar claimed Best Actress in a series category. In addition, “Ashghal Shaqqa Jiddan” won Best Egyptian Series. These winners highlight the diversity of talent celebrated during the Riyadh Season entertainment celebrations.
Special honors included a Lifetime Achievement Award for visual artist Farouk Hosny and the Diamond Entertainment Makers Award for Nasser Al-Khelaifi, recognizing his impact in sports and media globally. Both awards underscored the event’s commitment to acknowledging influential figures across creative industries.
Musical performances continued throughout the night. Angham performed alongside Polish guitarist Marcin, delivering a captivating live set, while pianist Jude Coffey offered a tranquil piano recital. These segments maintained energy and provided artistic variety.
In the sports category, footballer Yassine Bounou received the Best Athlete award, alongside other nominees, during a segment presented by Canelo Álvarez and Nelly Karim. This award recognized outstanding achievements and contributions in regional and international sports.
Ultimately, the sixth edition of the Joy Awards combined artistic excellence, global stars, and vibrant entertainment. By integrating live performances, awards, and tributes, the event exemplified the scale and ambition of the Riyadh Season entertainment celebrations, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees and viewers worldwide.
