The General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia announced today the launch of the final voting phase for the “ Joy Awards 2026 ,” following the closure of nominations, which saw widespread public participation in selecting nominees. This announcement comes as a preliminary step towards the highly anticipated annual ceremony, held as part of Riyadh Season , which has become a landmark event in the Arab and international entertainment landscape.
Diversity of categories and inclusiveness of competition
This year's edition boasts a wide variety of nominated categories, reflecting the prolific output of artistic and sporting productions in the Arab world over the past year. In the film category , the competition is fierce for the title of Favorite Film, in addition to the acting awards for men and women, which feature a constellation of Arab screen stars. As for the television series category , the competition is evident among Gulf, Egyptian, and Levantine productions, with significant space dedicated to supporting young talent through the "Favorite New Face" award, underscoring the award's role in discovering rising stars.
Music, influencers, and sports
The awards aren't limited to drama and cinema; they extend to the music scene with awards for favorite song and best artist, reflecting the significant development of the Arab music industry. In keeping with the digital age, the committee also dedicated awards to influencers and content creators who have established a strong presence on social media platforms. Sports are also prominently featured, with outstanding athletes in various disciplines, from football to taekwondo and swimming, being honored.
The importance and international standing of the Joy Awards
The Joy Awards is the largest entertainment awards ceremony in the Middle East, bringing together the brightest Arab and international stars under one roof in Riyadh. The event's significance lies in its reliance entirely on public voting, without the intervention of judging panels, granting it high credibility and reflecting the true tastes of the Arab public. This event further solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a global destination for entertainment and the arts, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on the quality of life and entertainment sectors.
Voting and Participation Mechanism
With the final lists now complete, the public can participate in the decision-making process through the official Joy Awards 2026 app. The organizers invite all art and sports fans to log in and vote for their favorite stars and works, becoming part of this exceptional event that will crown the winners at a grand celebratory night next month.
