Joy Awards 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh to Host MENA’s Biggest Entertainment Celebration

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The most anticipated awards show in the Middle East and North Africa, the Joy Awards, returns to Riyadh on January 18, 2025. Celebrating regional excellence in cinema, television, music, sports, and digital influence, the fifth edition promises a star-studded night honoring the creative talents shaping the cultural fabric of the region.

A Night of Excellence and Glamour

Organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) in collaboration with MBC Group, the Joy Awards is the crown jewel of Riyadh Season. As the region’s largest celebrity awards show, it brings together the brightest stars, showcasing their achievements and contributions to the entertainment and cultural industries across the Arab world.

Spanning multiple domains – cinema, television, music, sports, and digital influence – the ceremony aims to honor MENA’s exceptional talent and promote cultural vibrancy. With 19 award categories, the Joy Awards 2025 is poised to celebrate an unforgettable year in regional entertainment.

Nomination and Voting: A Spotlight on Public Choice

The Joy Awards puts the power in the hands of the audience. Fance can nominate and vote for their favorite stars, series, and productions using the Joy Awards app. The nomination phase is open for a month, allowing users to spotlight the talent that has defined the past year.

Once nominations close, the top four nominees in each category - determined by the highest number of public nominations – will be announced. Following this, a month – long voting phases begins, giving audience a chance to select their ultimate favorites. Each users can vote once per category, ensuring an equitable and transparent process.

The winners, determined by public votes, will be unveiled live at the awards ceremony in Riyadh.

Lavender Carpet and Star – Studded Surprises

The Joy Awards experience begins with live coverage of the iconic lavender carpet, where Arab and international celebrities will make their grand entrances. The arrivals will be broadcast on MBS’s television channel and Shahid streaming platform, providing fans an exclusive look at the glamour and excitement of the evening.

The ceremony itself promises electrifying moments, including surprise guest appearances, dazzling musical performances, and heartfelt speeches from the honorees. It’s a night of celebration, creativity, and unity, reflecting the region’s vibrant cultural heartbeat.

Expanded Categories for 2025

This year’s awards introduce exciting new categories to honor a broader spectrum of talent. The TV Series category now includes three new categories under “Favorite TV Series”, offering greater recognition for regional productions. For the first time, a “Directors” category has added to celebrate outstanding film and series directors, acknowledging their pivotal roles in storytelling.

Here's the complete list of categories:

Cinema

·       Favorite Movie

·       Favorite Actress

·       Favorite Actor

TV Series

·       Favorite Gulf Series

·       Favorite Egyptian Series

·       Favorite Levant Series

·       Favorite Series Actress

·       Favorite Series Actor

·       Favorite Star (TV – Male/Female)

Music

·       Favorite Song

·       Favorite Male Singer

·       Favorite Female Singer

·       Favorite New Artist (Music – Male / Female)

Directing

·       Favorite Series Director

·       Favorite Film Director

Influencers

·       Favorite Male Influencer

·       Favorite Female Influencer

Sports

·       Favorite Male Athlete

·       Favorite Female Athlete

A Celebration of Culture and Talent

As the countdown to the Joy Awards 2025 begins, the excitement is palpable. With a revamped format, new categories, and the participation of global and regional stars, new categories, and the participation of global and regional stars, this year’s event is set to be the most memorable edition yet. It’s a powerful showcase of the creative forces driving the entertainment industry across the Arab world.

Whether you’re a fan of cinema, music, sports, or digital culture, the Joy Awards offers something for everyone – a celebration of the talent and achievements that inspire millions.

Stay tuned for more updated, and join the conversation by nominating and voting for your favorites via the Joy Awards app. Let’s make this a night to remember!

For more information, visit the official Jow Awards website and follow the event on social media.