Joy Awards 2024 unveil winners in star-studded event in Riyadh

22 January 2024

Joy Awards 2024 unveil winners in star-studded event in Riyadh

The vibrant city of Riyadh once again set the stage for the biggest event on its annual entertainment calendar as the highly anticipated Joy Awards returned for its fourth edition on Saturday 20 January.

Part of Riyadh Season and presented by the General Entertainment Authority (GeA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Joy Awards 2024 recognised and honoured some of the biggest names in music, cinema, television, sports, and more from the Arab world and beyond.

The star-studded event, co-organised by MBC GROUP, was graced by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the GeA, alongside a host of regional and global celebrities.

Special guests honoured and/or attended included Sir Anthony Hopkins, Kevin Costner, Mark Wahlberg, Jean Reno, Eva Longoria, Salman Khan, Martin Lawrence, Quincy Jones, Lang Lang, Alia Bhatt, Georgina Rodriguez, Anthony Anderson, Sam Worthington, Paul Anderson, directors Zach Schneider and Doug Liman, and the global sports stars Tyson Fury, John Cena, and Francis Ngannou.

Joining in attendance were prominent Arab and international journalists and media personalities, as well as notable figures and distinguished invitees.

Supported by the Saudi Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program, the Joy Awards 2024 began with arrivals on the lavender carpet, with proceedings broadcast live on MBC1, MBC MASR, MBC IRAQ, and MBC5, in addition to via Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform.

The event featured a star opening with Wissam Breidy and Carmen Bsaibes, followed by the duo presenting segments to unveil the names of the Joy Awards 2024 winners, spanning both individual and production categories. The stage, meanwhile, lit up thanks to a number of performances by artists including Abdul Majeed Abdullah, Amr Diab, Assala, Sherine, the legendary Gloria Gaynor, Lang Lang, Bebe Rexha, and legendary artist Nagat El-Sagheera.

Furthermore, acclaimed international music composer Claudio Constantini delivered a captivating musical composition as part of a poignant short film entitled “Message to Those Departed”. The piece served as a heartfelt tribute to those in art, culture, and media within the Arab world who left us over the past year.

The evening concluded with the winners and performers gathering on stage to capture a commemorative photo with HE Alalshikh.

AND THE WINNERS ARE…

CINEMA

Best Film
Sattar

Best Actress (Film)
Nelly Karim (Voy! Voy! Voy)

Best Actor (Film)
Karim Abdelaziz (Beit El-Ruby)

—

TELEVSION

Best TV Series
Crystal

Best Actress (TV Series)
Rahaf Mohammad (Brahim Fe El-Beit)

Best Actor (TV Series)
Saad Aziz (Sikkat Safar)

Best Newcomer (TV Series)
Walid Qashran (Studio 23)

—

MUSIC

Best Song
Ya Leil W Yal Ein (Al-Shami)

Best Female Artist
Assala Nasri

Best Male Artist
Ayed

Best Newcomer
Talal Sam

—

DIGITAL

Best Social Media Influencer (Female)
Bibi Alabdulmohsen

Best Social Media Influencer (Male)
Ahmed Al-Qahtani (ShoNgxBoNg)

—

SPORT

Best Female Sports Personality
Ons Jabeur

Best Male Sports Personality
Abdullah Al-Rubaie

—

HONORARY AWARDS

HE Alalshikh granted a number of recipients a special Entertainment Industry Honorary Award. They include esteemed maestro and music arranger Walid Fayed, Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, renowned pianist Lang Lang, director Zach Schneider, US actor and comedian Martin Lawrence, the production team behind “Taht-El-Wesaya” (TV series starring Mona Zaki), legendary Kuwaiti actor Mohammed Al-Mansor, Lebanese singer Najwa Karam, Mohamed Abdel Motaal (General Manager for MBC MASR), Fadel Zahreddine (Group Director of Emerging Media at MBC GROUP), and Zaki Hassanien (CEO of Benchmark).

The Joy Awards 2024 Lifetime Achievement honour was presented to several recipients. They are Hollywood star Sir Anthony Hopkins and Kevin Costner, music producer Quincy Jones (whose son accepted the award on his behalf), Saudi singing legend Rabeh Saqer, renowned Saudi actor Ali Al-Mdfa, Egyptian actress Essad Youniss, and Syrian actress Muna Wassef. An award was also granted to the legendary Egyptian singer and actress Nagat El-Sagheera.

The internationally acclaimed Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab received the Diamond Entertainment Industry Award, while Hollywood’s Eva Longoria was awarded Personality of the Year.

Last but not least, the highly coveted Leader of Arab Art honour – awarded only once in the Joy Awards – was presented to the acclaimed Egyptian actor Adel Emam, who addressed the audience with a recorded message. The award was received on his behalf by his sons, director Rami Imam and actor Mohamed Emam.

What sets the Joy Awards apart from others is that the audience/viewer chooses the winners from a number of categories and subcategories via the official app. Each user is allowed one vote per category.

The Joy Awards are brought to you by the General Entertainment Authority (GeA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and are co-hosted by MBC GROUP.

MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

[Source: MBC press release]

NHK WORLD-JAPAN Monthly focus: Unveiling the Essential Japan

1 January 2024

NHK WORLD-JAPAN Monthly focus: Unveiling the Essential Japan

Unveiling the Essential Japan

Barakan Discovers IZUMO: Glimpses of the Unseen January 6 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) In the 19th century, Lafcadio Hearn helped introduce Japan to the wider world. Barakan visits Izumo to learn about the unseen realms that Hearn treasured.
The Mysteries of Ozu: A Master Filmmaker’s Enduring Legacy January 13 Sat. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Join experts such as Wim Wenders to explore the masterful film-making of renowned Tokyo Story director Ozu Yasujiro, the 120th anniversary of whose birth fell in December 2023.
GRAND SUMO Highlights DAILY DURING TOURNAMENTS 16:30/23:30/4:30/8:30 (UTC) The January Tournament of GRAND SUMO is held from January 14th to 28th. The best of today’s sumo! Enjoy daily highlights of this dynamic sport with background info and play-by-play commentary adding to the excitement!

France 24 launches its first FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus

19 December 2023

France 24 launches its first FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus

France 24 announces the launch of its first FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus, thanks to an agreement with Samsung. Available within the Samsung TV Plus app, pre-installed and free on all Samsung Smart TVs , France 24 in English, which covers international news 24/7, reaches more than 30 million connected television sets across Europe (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK).

As usages evolve around the world and as opportunities arise, future developments will concern the other language channels proposed by France 24.

In collaboration with Amagi and thanks to its cloud-based playout solution, viewers of the FAST channel can enjoy all the programmes of France 24 English’s linear channel.

With an international news bulletin every 30 minutes, France 24 reconciles the need to react quickly to breaking news with the imperative of providing verified information. For in-depth analysis, the schedule is enriched by diverse programmes, investigative reports and daily debates. France 24 offers a different and new look at international news through bold and thoughtful journalism.

[Source: France 24 press release]

France 24 presents: The 51% – Celebrating 10 years of gender equality

14 December 2023

France 24 presents: The 51% – Celebrating 10 years of gender equality

« The 51 Percent », a weekly show focusing on gender equality marks its 10^th anniversary with a special program in French, English, Arabic and Spanish, which airs on France 24 on Friday December 15^th.

On France 24 in English at 4.45pm*, France 24 in French at 4.15pm*, on France 24 in Arabic at 3.15pm* and on France 24 in Spanish at 12.45pm* on Saturday December 16^th. (Paris Time).

The four programs :The 51 Percent (En), ActuElles (Fr), هي الحدث (Ar) et Ellas Hoy (Es) will be devoted to the program’s 10^th anniversary. Presenters Annette Young (En), Laure Manent (Fr) Mayssaloun Nassar (Ar) and Angéla Gomez (Es) will take a look back at the major topics covered since the program’s launch in 2013 such as the fight for reproductive rights, political representation, ending violence against women and girls along with the consequences of the “#MeToo” movement.

Launched in 2013, “The 51 Percent”, France 24’s pioneering show focusing on gender equality, has broadcast many special editions from across the globe about those working hard to promote women’s rights.

As a global broadcaster, France Médias Monde is committed to the defense of women’s rights in French and 20 foreign languages on all five continents, through news items, reports, magazines, debates and interviews.

[Source: France 24 press release]

MBC GROUP announces ground-breaking cinematic milestone with “Sukkar”

14 December 2023

MBC GROUP announces ground-breaking cinematic milestone with “Sukkar”

MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, announces the extraordinary success of its first-ever Arabic-language musical production.

In a ground-breaking cinematic milestone within the MENA, “Sukkar” – starring the rising Khaleeji talent, Hala Al Turk in one of her biggest roles to date – has amassed over $2 million at the box office so far.

Since its theatrical debut in October 2023, “Sukkar” has enchanted audiences across the Arab world, creating a first-of-its-kind cinematic phenomenon that has never been witnessed before in the region.

Created by Heba Mishari Hamada and directed by Tamer Mahdy, “Sukkar” features a unique blend of original music, captivating storytelling, and family-friendly content that has resonated strongly with viewers, contributing to its remarkable box office performance.

MBC GROUP leads the film’s production, alongside Aroma Productions, which managed cinematic execution under the supervision of MBC STUDIOS.

Christina Wayne, Managing Director at MBC STUDIOS said: “The achievement of surpassing $2 million at the box office marks an impressive breakthrough for the region, particularly within the genre of musicals. ‘Sukkar’ is not only achieving tremendous success, but it is also setting a new standard for cinematic excellence, reaffirming the region’s appetite for diverse, high-quality, and culturally resonant storytelling.

“The ongoing success of ‘Sukkar’ reflects the sustained demand from Arab families who continue to head to theatres to watch the movie. This success will no doubt pave the way for future endeavours in the realm of musical filmmaking, showcasing the potential for original content and narratives that enchant our audiences.”

“Sukkar” follows the journey of Sukkar (played by Al Turk) and her friends who live in an orphanage, waking up every day with hopes of transforming their lives into something more meaningful and colourful. Despite their hopeful outlook, the orphanage’s manager, Ratiba, proves to be exceptionally mean, exacerbating the challenges that the children face in their pursuit of a better life.

Featuring 12 original songs, “Sukkar” draws inspiration from the famous epistolary novel, “Daddy-Long-Legs” by American writer Jean Webster. All original songs for “Sukkar” were penned by Heba Mashari Hamada, with the soundtrack composed by Ehab Abdel Wahed, arranged by Ahmed Tareq Yehya, and produced by Joy Music Production. The renowned Egyptian singer Ahmed Saad has lent his voice to the film.

Starring alongside Al Turk in “Sukkar” is a host of young talent from around the GCC and Middle East, including Yasmina El Abd, Hajar Mohamad, Wedema Ahmad, Maria Gomaa, Moataz Heshaam, Mohamad Al Harbi, Bafly Reymond Isaac, and twins Abdullah and Omar Khaled.

Also starring in the musical in the adult roles are the prominent actors Magda Zaki, Mohamed Tharwat, and Reham Al Shanawany.

The family-friendly film, currently still in cinemas, is distributed by Empire Entertainment.

[Source: MBC press release]