The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

The 2025 Joy Awards celebrated outstanding talent while spotlighting the region’s vibrant creativity and growing influence on global entertainment. It was a night to remember, honouring the best and inspiring the future of the industry.

Best Film: Welad Rizk 3: El Qadia

Welad Rizk 3 was one of the 2024 highlights where the iconic squad of Ahmed Ezz, Amr Youssef, and Ahmed Dawood took over the screen once again, accompanied by Asser Yassin as El Shayeb. The action-packed film took home the night’s biggest prize, outshining nominees like From the Ashes and Rehla 404. From brilliant storytelling and stellar performances, Welad Rizk’s El Qadia had it all. 

Best Actress in a Film: Hannah El-Zahed (Fasel Men El Lahazat El Lazeeza)

Hannah El-Zahed’s captivating portrayal stole the spotlight, beating talented competitors like Yasmine Sabri and Khairiah Abulaban with her stellar performance in her latest comedy, Fasel Men El Lahazat El Lazeeza. Her award-winning moment was also one of the event’s highlights, as Matthew McConaughey presented her with the award for best actress in a film. 

Best Actor in a Film: Hesham Maged (Ex Merati)

Hesham Maged charmed audiences with his comedic yet heartfelt performance in Ex Merati. Other nominees included Ahmed Ezz and Faisal Al Essa. Ex Merati is a controversial comedy where the main character, Hesham Maged, is happily married, yet one day, he discovers that his wife isn’t truly who he thinks she is. She’s the ex-wife of a former criminal recently released from prison who still believes she is his spouse. Maged masterfully balances humour and emotion, portraying a jealous partner with depth and nuance, a performance that showcased his versatility and placed him in a new spotlight as an actor.

Best Gulf Series: Shabab El Bomb 12

This long-running favourite, Shabab El Bomb 12, starring Faisal Al Issa, Wael El Harby, Aly Al Madfa, and Muhanad Al Jamily, claimed the top spot, proving its enduring appeal over shows like Thanawiyyat Al Naseem and Mathaf Yeddi.

Best Egyptian Series: Nema El Avoccato

The Ramadan hit Nema El Avoccato earned the Best Egyptian Series award, surpassing hit shows like Ashghal Shaqa and Kamel El Addad +1. Starring Mai Omar and directed by Mohamed Samy, the series combined drama with comedy, earning it vast recognition. 

Best Levant Series: AlRawabi School for Girls Season Two

The groundbreaking series, in its second season, addresses vital issues such as bullying and honour killings in the MENA region. It has continued its success by winning the award for Best Levant Series, surpassing competitors such as Lo’bat Hob and Wlad Badee’a.

Best Actress in a Series: Huda Hussein (Zawja Waheda La Takfi)

Huda’s unforgettable performance earned her this honour against strong nominees such as Sulafa Mimar and Nour Ali.

Best Actor in a Series: Samer Ismail (Al Ameel)

Samer’s riveting portrayal in Al Ameel has left audiences spellbound, earning him the award for best actor in a series, surpassing nominees such as Ayman Zidan and Abdulaziz Alshehri.

Best Song: El Jaw by Majid Al-Mohandes

Released in September of 2024, This chart-topping hit became an anthem of the year, titling it as Joy Awards Best Song, leaving behind hits like Ayed’s Lammah and Tamer Ashour’s Haygely Mawgow3.

Best Female Artist: Assala Nasri

Assala Nasri, one of the Middle East’s music icons, has earned her spot as the best female artist in a competitive category featuring stars like Elissa and Sherine Abdelwahab.

Best Male Artist: Aedh

Aedh’s incredible range and style made him a fan favourite over other nominees in the best male artist category, including Tamer Ashour and Al-Shami.

Most Popular Song: Howa Enta Meen by Angham & Hegeli Mojoua by Tamer Ashour

Angham’s hit album has been the anthem of the season. Her song Howa Enta Meen is a soulful hit that resonated with the masses. It was truly the most popular song of 2024. 

Best New Artist: Rakan Al Sa’ed

Rakan’s breakthrough talent secured him the title, outshining newcomers like Khaled AlSarraf and TUL8TE.

Best Male Athlete: Salem Al Dawsari

The football star’s incredible achievements earned him the top spot over competitors like Yassine Bounou and Houssem Aouar.

Best Female Athlete: Hattan Al Saif

Hattan’s trailblazing efforts secured her this accolade, surpassing Samaher Kurdi and Hana Goda. Hattan Al Saif performed in 2024 as a Saudi boxer and marked the first female athlete to join the Saudi national mixed martial arts team.

Best Male Influencer: ShongxBong (Ahmad Al Qahtani)

Ahmad’s dynamic lifestyle content made him a clear winner against Abo Flah and Naif Hamdan.

Best Female Influencer: Narin Amara (Narin’s Beauty)

Narin charmed audiences with her engaging presence, edging out contenders like Sara Al Wari and Douha Laribi. Narin’s beauty content has earned her 13.8M followers who closely follow her beauty and make-up tips, making her one of the most recognised influencers in the MENA region. 

Best Rising Star: Al-Anoud Abdulhakim (Beyt Al Ankaboot)

This young and rising talent made waves in her appearance in Beyt Al Ankaboot, winning ahead of nominees like Rasel Al-Otaibi and Nayef Albahar.

Best TV Series Director: Rasha Sharbatji (Wlad Badee’a)

Rasha’s exceptional direction clinched the win over competitors like Mohammed Sami and Ahmed Khaled Mousa.

Best Film Director: Tarek Al-Eryan (Welad Rizk 3: El Qadia)

Tarek’s masterful vision earned him the title, surpassing celebrated filmmakers like Fatima Al-Banawi and Moataz Al-Touni.

Lifetime Achievement Awards:

Morgan Freeman, Hans Zimmer, Andrea Bocelli, and Yasser Al Azma were among the legends honoured for their extraordinary contributions to the world of arts and entertainment. 

Personality of the Year: Matthew McConaughey

The Hollywood star’s charisma and influence made him an obvious choice for this prestigious honour. His appearance on stage was one of the highlights of the Joy Awards, and his captivating, heartfelt speech was a significant moment.