SAUDI ARABIA: The Joy Awards, one of the largest award ceremonies in the Middle East to honour celebrities for their achievements, took place on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, gathering artists, athletes, directors, and social media influencers from the Arab and international communities.
The award ceremony was held at the Bakr al-Sheddi Theater on Boulevard Riyadh City, bringing together well-known figures from the entertainment sector. It was also an opportunity for celebs to show off their best fashion on the lavender carpet.
Joy awards brings international stars to Saudi Arabia
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, Georgina Rodriguez, Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, US-Colombian actress Sofia Vergara, Egyptian actress Yusra, Tunisian actress Hend Sabry, Hollywood director Michael Bay, Moroccan football player Achraf Hakimi, and US actor Mel Gibson attended the Saudi Arabia event.
Celebrities competed in a number of categories, including Best Film, Best Male Actor in a TV series or film, Best Female Actress, Best Male Athlete, Best Female Athlete, and so on.
Amitabh Bachchan was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the event. In his acceptance speech, Bachchan expressed his happiness at being in Riyadh and vowed that the visit wouldn’t be his last.
Vergara, a Colombian-American actress, received the “Person of the Year” award. Calling receiving the award a “beautiful” surprise, she said, “I would like to dedicate this award to all the amazing ladies in the Kingdom and the Middle East for building a better future.”
Gibson, an American actor, and director, received an honorary Entertainment Makers Award.
The Honorary Entertainment Makers Award was given to Bay by Turki Al-Sheikh, who is the head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.
Rodriguez, who is married to Cristiano Ronaldo, recently signed a record-breaking contract with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. She said she felt like she was in a dream when she was there.
Alongside her friend Vergara, who wore a bejewelled outfit, the model strolled down the lavender carpet wearing a form-fitting gown and a veil.
Based on their efforts and work over the previous year, 50 candidates in various categories were carefully chosen from specialist committees. The winners were chosen through a public vote using an app that the GEA put out.
The Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority (GEA) puts on the Joy Awards as part of the Quality of Life Program for Vision 2030. This programme is meant to broaden the Kingdom’s cultural, social, and entertainment options and promote the country as a place to visit.
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