The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has officially launched the nomination phase for the highly anticipated Joy Awards 2026. This prestigious event celebrates exceptional achievements across film, drama, music, directing, sports, and digital influence throughout the Arab world and beyond. GEA Chairman Turki Alalshikh announced the commencement of public voting, reinforcing the ceremony’s position as the Middle East’s premier entertainment celebration.
The upcoming ceremony is scheduled for 17 January, 2026, at the ANB arena in Riyadh as a featured event within the spectacular Riyadh Season. The Joy Awards honors a distinguished group of international stars and creative pioneers who significantly impact global entertainment. The event promises to gather cinema icons, music legends, and accomplished athletes from across the world for an unforgettable celebration of artistic excellence.
Previous ceremonies have recognized prominent international figures like Matthew McConaughey, Eva Longoria, and Sofia Vergara for the Personality of the Year award. The event typically features breathtaking performances by globally renowned artists, with past lineups including Christina Aguilera, Andrea Bocelli, and Hans Zimmer.
A Fan-Driven Voting Process
Consequently, the competition’s outcome rests entirely in the hands of fans through a straightforward two-phase voting system. The General Entertainment Authority encourages public participation through the official, free Joy Awards application, available on both the App Store and Google Play.
Throughout the initial nomination phase, which spans one month, users can select their favorite contenders across all categories. Supporters may also propose additional names missing from the original list, provided those achievements occurred during 2025. The process then advances the four highest-voted nominees in each category to the final voting round.
This expanded nomination approach demonstrates a clear commitment to boosting audience engagement. The system ensures wider and more inclusive representation of regional talent by empowering fans to directly influence the selection process.
Competitive Categories and Notable Contenders
The music categories showcase remarkable diversity and generational talent. The Best Male Artist category features intense competition among stars like Amr Diab, Kazem El Saher, Tamer Hosny, and Majid Al Mohandis. Meanwhile, the Best Female Artist category includes exceptional voices like Assala, Nancy Ajram, Angham, and Najwa Karam, reflecting the vibrant spectrum of contemporary Arabic music.
Popular songs currently dominating the Best Song nominations include “Al-Anab Al-Saqea” by Asala, “Helwa” by Nassif Zeytoun, and “Baba” by Amr Diab. These works represent the creative output that resonated most powerfully with audiences throughout the past year.
Television productions demonstrate equally fierce competition across regional lines. Gulf series like “Abu Al Banat,” “Umm 44,” and “Al Dhariya” compete for viewer attention. Egyptian productions such as “My Brothers,” “The Praiser,” and “Legend of the Covenant” showcase the continued strength of the region’s drama industry.
The cinema categories feature outstanding films that captured both critical and popular acclaim. Notable contenders include “Ahmed and Ahmed,” “Darwish,” “Restart,” and “Hepta 2”. Acting categories spotlight celebrated performers like Dina El Sherbiny, Menna Shalaby, Karim Abdel Aziz, and Ahmed El Sakka, all vying for audience votes.
A Growing Entertainment Legacy
The Joy Awards continues to elevate Riyadh’s status as an emerging global entertainment capital. The ceremony forms an integral part of Riyadh Season, which has already attracted over 16 million visitors this year. This massive attendance figure underscores Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing influence in the international entertainment landscape.
The awards ceremony represents a significant milestone in the region’s cultural development. It provides a prestigious platform honoring both established icons and emerging voices shaping contemporary Arab culture.
The nomination phase remains open through the official Joy Awards application. The public eagerly anticipates the ceremony, which will unveil the winners following the conclusion of the voting process. This fan-driven approach continues to redefine award celebrations across the Middle East, giving audiences direct influence in recognizing exceptional talent.
