Last weekend, Riyadh witnessed a dazzling night of celebration as the 2025 Joy Awards brought together the crème de la crème of global and regional entertainment. Held on January 20, the fifth edition of Saudi Arabia’s most anticipated entertainment event, presented by the General Entertainment Authority, was nothing short of a spectacle. From the glamorous attendees to show-stopping performances, the night proved why the Joy Awards are the crown jewel of Riyadh Season.
The evening drew a constellation of stars from across the globe. Hollywood legends Sir Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, and Matthew McConaughey mingled with icons from the Arab world like Abdullah Almuheisen and Yasser Alazmeh, alongside international luminaries such as Christina Aguilera, Hrithik Roshan, and Thierry Henry. The event’s guest list read like a dream, with appearances by fashion visionary Zuhair Murad, South Korean filmmaker JK Youn, and global music maestro Hans Zimmer.
With 20 categories voted on by the public, the awards celebrated achievements that captured hearts in 2024. Notable wins included Hannah El Zahed for Favourite Actress, Faisal Alessa for Favourite Actor, and Majid Al Mohandis’ hit El Jawas Favourite Song. The transparency of the voting process—via the Joy Awards app—ensured that the fans’ voices resonated loudly throughout the ceremony.
The stage came alive with electrifying performances from global legends Andrea Bocelli, Hans Zimmer, Christina Aguilera, and Michael Bublé. The Arab world’s finest, including Mohammed Abdo and Wael Kfoury, also delivered stunning acts.
The Joy Awards extended its embrace to legends who have shaped arts and culture. Morgan Freeman accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award from none other than Sir Anthony Hopkins, creating a cinematic moment for the ages. Hans Zimmer was honored by Egyptian composer Omar Khairat, while Andrea Bocelli’s award was presented by HRH Prince Abdulrahman Bin Mosaad. The late Saudi poet Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was posthumously celebrated with the Diamond Entertainment Makers Award, accepted by his son, HRH Prince Khalid Badr bin Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Broadcast live across MBC platforms and streamed on Shahid, the lavender carpet was a spectacle in itself. Stars such as Guy Ritchie, Amanda Seyfried, Forest Whitaker, and Tûba Büyüküstün brought unmatched glamour. The carpetserved as a prelude to a night filled with elegance, talent, and celebration.
From honoring regional talent like Abdullah Al-Ruwaishid to recognizing global personalities like Matthew McConaughey, who was named Personality of the Year, the Joy Awards highlighted the power of cultural exchange. Special honorary awards were also given to industry stalwarts like Guy Ritchie and Hrithik Roshan, solidifying the event’s position as a global hub for talent appreciation.
ALSO READ: BIODESIGN IN FASHION: CREATING WITH NATURE, NOT JUST INSPIRED BY IT.
