Star-studded Joy Awards light up Riyadh

RIYADH: The spotlight was firmly on Saudi Arabia’s capital on Saturday as the Joy Awards rolled out the red carpet for an international parade of entertainment stars. From Hollywood heartthrobs to K-pop icons, the event brought together actors, musicians, athletes, and public figures in a glamorous celebration of global pop culture.

As part of Riyadh Season, the annual festival of culture, entertainment, and sports, the Joy Awards featured live performances, dazzling fashion, and an awards ceremony where fans had their say, nominating and voting for their favourites through a dedicated mobile app – think People’s Choice Awards meets Riyadh magic.

The red carpet was a who’s-who of international talent. Syrian stars Samer Al-Masry and Bassem Yakhour praised the event for honouring artists and their work, while Korean actor Lee Byung-Hun shared his excitement about seeing so many talented filmmakers in one place.

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Australian actor Travis Fimmel called the atmosphere “very exciting” and hinted at a bright future for the Saudi entertainment scene. Also turning heads were Oscar Isaac, Alexander Ludwig, Egyptian actor Hani Ramzi, and Saudi actress Dima Muslam, all posing for photos and soaking in the glamour.

The ceremony underscores Riyadh’s push to diversify its economy and boost tourism by creating world-class cultural events that rival global entertainment hubs. With its mix of star power, public participation, and high production values, the Joy Awards have quickly become a highlight of Riyadh Season, and a must-watch on the international entertainment calendar.

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From stunning performances to memorable photo ops, Saturday night proved that Riyadh isn’t just hosting an awards show, it’s putting itself firmly on the map as a global entertainment destination.