The Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed an exceptional artistic evening by all accounts, as it hosted the Joy Awards 2026 , the largest awards ceremony in the Middle East, bringing together a select group of the brightest stars of art, sports, and influencers from the Arab world and beyond. This year's edition was distinguished by a strong Saudi presence and a notable dominance of Saudi dramas and national talents that proved their worth in regional competition.
Abdulmohsen Al-Nimr wins the Favorite Actor award
In the drama category, the esteemed Saudi star Abdulmohsen Al-Nemer awarded "Favorite Actor" for his outstanding and impactful performance in the series "Al-Marsa." This victory crowns Al-Nemer's illustrious career and reaffirms his enduring ability to embody complex roles.
The road to the award was not easy, as the category witnessed fierce competition with major stars who achieved remarkable successes in 2025, and the list of finalists included:
- Moatasem Al Nahar on his role in the series "Nafs".
- Hisham Majid on his comedic role in the series "Ashghal Shaka Geddan".
- Abdul Rahman bin Nafe’ on his performance in the series “Al-A’sha Street”.
"Al-A'sha Street" is the best Gulf series
Continuing its success, the Saudi series "Shari' Al-A'sha" the "Favorite Gulf Series" award, with the cast and crew receiving the award from Egyptian actor Mohamed Henedy amidst enthusiastic applause. The series triumphed over strong competitors such as "Al-Marsa," "Ummi," and "Saif 99," reflecting the significant development in dramatic storytelling and television production in the Kingdom.
Young faces and promising talents
As part of the support for emerging talent, actress Taraf Al-Obaidi the "Favorite New Face" award in the series category for her role in the series "My Mother." Al-Obaidi competed against a group of talented young actors, including: Ali Al-Bili (Lam Shamsiya), Lama Abdul Wahab (Shari' Al-A'sha), and Roussel Al-Ibrahim (Salma).
Sports, influencer, and content creator awards
The ceremony was not limited to drama alone, but also included honoring creative individuals in various fields:
- Sports: Saudi football player Laila Al-Qahtani the "Favorite Sportswoman" award, highlighting the growing support for women's sports in the Kingdom.
- Honorary recognition: Veteran Saudi broadcaster and presenter Saleh Al-Arayedh the Honorary Entertainment Makers Award, in recognition of his long media career and his influence on the media landscape.
- Influencers: In the Digital Influence category, Rateel Al-Shehri the “Favorite Influencer” award, surpassing prominent names in the Arab world, while Saudi content creator and YouTuber Rayan Al-Ahmari the “Favorite Influencer” award.
The importance of the event and its regional impact
The Joy Awards 2026 ceremony reflects the rapid development of the entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia within the framework of Vision 2030, which has transformed Riyadh into a global hub for art and creativity. The numerous Saudi winners are not merely individual accolades, but rather an indicator of the maturity of the local arts industry and its ability to produce high-quality content that competes regionally and internationally, thus strengthening the Kingdom's soft power and opening new horizons for young talent.
