Broadcast live on MBC channels and streaming platform Shahid, the three-hour event had more than 20 artists awarded for some of their latest works.
The third edition of Joy Awards, organised by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and co-hosted by MBC Group, took place in Riyadh on January 21, 2023, live from the Baker Al-Sheddi Theatre.
Joy Awards recognises and honours the Arab world’s best artists and their achievements, from cinema, TV, music, to sporting events, and digital influence, in the presence of Turki Al-Alshikh, Chairman of the Global Entertainment Alliance.
The latest edition of the Joy Awards – which is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 Quality of Life Programme – saw a host of stars grace the lavender carpet at Riyadh Boulevard, with all the latest updates televised live on MBC1, MBC MASR, MBC IRAQ, and MBC5, and via streaming platform Shahid.
Celebrities in attendance included Mel Gibson, Amitabh Bachchan, the filmmaker Michael Bay, Sofia Vergara, Spanish actress Esther Acebo, as well as Turkish stars Engin Akyurek, Demet Özdemir, and Aras Bulut İynemli.
Presented by Wissam Breidy and Valerie Abou Chacra, the Joy Awards 2023 kicked off with a dance performance themed Sadiq Waf, before showcasing a documentary entitled Beyond Imagination – the tagline of Riyadh Season. The documentary narrated the GEA’s most prominent events, top achievements, and records made during 2022.
In addition to the awards presented, the ceremony also featured performances from a host of top names, including Rashed Al-Majed, Ahmed Saad, Rahma Riad, Marwan Khoury, Mohamed Mounir, Nancy Ajram, followed by a joint performance by REMA with Dalia Mubarak, and then Cairokee.
The ceremony also included the screening of a short film entitled, A Tribute to Those Who Have Gone, accompanied by music by Pamela Tan Nicholson and the Classical Ladies Orchestra.
Turki Al-Alshikh presented Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, Chairman of MBC Group, with the Diamond Entertainment Makers award.
Additional honorary Entertainment Makers awards went to Hollywood actor Mel Gibson, Spanish actress Esther Acebo, and Arab stars Ahmed Helmy, Mona Zaki, Mohamed Mounir, Rashed Al-Majed, Souad Abdullah, Hayat Al-Fahad, Angham, Nawal El Kuwaitia, and Salem Alhendi.
Two Lifetime Achievement awards were granted to Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan and the international filmmaker Michael Bay. And, Sofia Vergara received the Person of the Year award.
American actor and director Gibson also received an Honorary Entertainment Makers Award.
Egyptian blockbuster hit Kira & El Gin scooped the major film prizes. Star Nadine Nassib Njeim also picked up the Favourite Actress Award for playing the titular role of a fierce businesswoman in Salon Zahra. The acclaimed Lebanese drama’s second season (Salon Zahra) picked up the prestigious Favourite TV Series Award.
Saudi actor Ibrahim Al Hajjaj won Favourite Actor for his work on the Saudi drama Minho Waladna?.
