Joy Awards 2026

21 Feb - 27 Feb, 2026
Mag The Weekly
Awards

Global Stars Dazzle in Saudi Arabia.
The 2026 Joy Awards in Riyadh was equal parts glitz, glamour, gowns, and heart. From electrifying performances (here's looking at you, Katy Perry) to heartfelt speeches (Millie Bobby Brown endearing everybody in the audience), the night celebrated talent while giving stars a chance to shine on the lavender carpet, on the stage and beyond.

The Awards took place on January 17th at the ANB Arena, highlighting major talents in Arab and international entertainment as part of Riyadh Season. The ceremony featured performances by Katy Perry, Robbie Williams, and Boney M.'s Liz Mitchell. Here are the top five highlights that made the evening a star-studded spectacle to remember.

Shah Rukh Khan’s comment on Saudi Arabia
We all know Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has a soft spot for Dubai, but it seems Saudi Arabia is creeping onto that list, too. Striding the lavender carpet, he told reporters he’d love to explore the region purely for leisure – no work, no cameras. Sure, he had shot Dunki here with Taapsee Pannu, but what really lights him up? The warmth, love, and respect from his fans.

"It's very heartening to know that people love you so much here! They are very respectful, it's very dignified. I love it. Everyone is so warm, sweet, and hospitable," SRK said, beaming. He didn’t stop there: from the striking locations and vibrant culture to the delicious local food, everything impressed him.

Katy Perry opened the night in sparkling power suit
Katy Perry kicked off the Joy Awards like a glittering cannonball in a sparkling gold blazer. Her backup dancers, decked out in full-sleeve red leather power suits, were so sharp and synchronised they could give Cirque du Soleil – and even the dramatic redness of Squid Game – a run for their money. Every move was precise, every beat explosive, turning the stage into a disco-fueled, full-throttle spectacle that set the bar impossibly high for the night.

It's all about loving the family and keeping it real
One of the most resonant moments came when Millie Bobby Brown spoke about the people who keep her grounded when the noise gets too loud. "My family are my anchor, my husband is my sail, my team are my engine, and my daughter is my North Star. I wouldn't be able to do any of this without them," she said, reminding everyone that success isn’t just about talent – it’s about the people who make it possible.

Millie Bobby Brown named ‘Personality of the Year’
Millie Bobby Brown didn’t just walk onto the Joy Awards stage – she owned it. Named ‘Personality of the Year’, the Stranger Things star used her moment to speak directly to the girls and women who sometimes doubt themselves, turning an awards night into a pep talk no one could ignore. "As a little girl, I knew I wanted to be in the creative world. I wanted to make people feel something, happy, sad, laugh, cry." But starting young wasn’t always easy.

"Pursuing a creative career and becoming an actor at a young age was not a dream I chose on my own. It was encouraged and supported by my parents who never doubted me for a second," the actress said. And yes, rejection stings, but Brown kept it real: "Creativity and embracing and rejection is a big part of this journey and that can be especially difficult at a young age, but when that special day finally comes, it reminds you how important it is to believe in yourself and to keep dreaming."

She spoke to her fans – especially the young girls and women who see themselves in her: "I'm deeply aware that my success would not be possible without the fans around the world… especially the young girls and women I meet who are inspired to dream big and to be loud. Yes! I've done many characters, but my greatest role so far is being a role model for young people." On stage, Millie didn’t just accept an award – she reminded everyone that being brave, kind, and true to yourself is as big a deal as any trophy.

Boney M brought 70s disco to Riyadh
Boney M took the audience back in time with hits like Daddy Cool and Rasputin. Their 70s disco set had the crowd dancing and cheering, adding a nostalgic, high-energy highlight to the night. But anyone’s favourite bit would definitely be when the iconic Liz Mitchel sang for Gulf News on the lavender carpet. She said that she had come to Saudi around 30 years ago but was impressed by how the city had grown. She was on the lavender carpet with her beaming son and was a total sport.

Winners of the Joy Awards 2026:
Best Movie
Siko Siko

Best Actress in a Film
Shujoun Al Hajri (Ars Al Nar)

Best Actor in a Film
Maged El Kedwany (Feha Eh Ya‘ni)

Best Gulf Series
Shari’ Al A’asha

Best Egyptian Series
Ashghal Shaqqa Geddan

Best Levant Series
Salma

Best Actress in a Series
Karess Bashar (Taht Sabi’ Ard)

Best Actor in a Series
Abdulmohsen Al Nemer (Al Marsa)

Best New Face in Drama
Tarf Al Obaidi (Ummi)

Best TV Series Director
Ahmed Katikxiz and Ghul Saralton

(Shari’ Al A’asha)
Best Film Director
Omar Al Mohandes (Siko Siko)

Best Song
Sahak Al Shawq – Fadel Shaker