Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 18, 2026 – The sixth annual Joy Awards lit up the Saudi capital on January 17 with a dazzling blend of global stardom, cultural celebration, and heartfelt recognition.

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Held as part of Riyadh Season, the event—often dubbed the region’s “People’s Choice Awards”—honored achievements in music, film, television, sports, and digital entertainment through public votes, drawing an eclectic mix of Arab and international talents to its iconic lavender carpet.

Among the evening’s standout moments was British actress Millie Bobby Brown, best known for her iconic role as Eleven in Netflix’s Stranger Things, who was awarded Personality of the Year.

The honor recognizes individuals who inspire through their influence, authenticity, and positive impact. Brown, now 21 and fresh off the series’ emotional finale late last year, accepted the award with grace and vulnerability.

In her acceptance speech, Brown delivered an empowering message, urging young women to embrace resilience amid challenges. “Rejection is hard, but believe in yourself,” she emphasized, turning the stage into a platform for motivation.

She also shared a touching tribute to her family, describing them as her foundation: “My family are my anchor, my husband is my sail, my team are my engine, and my daughter is my North Star.”

The words resonated deeply, highlighting her recent transition into motherhood following the adoption of her daughter with husband Jake Bongiovi.

Brown turned heads on the lavender carpet in a stunning Tamara Ralph FW2025 Couture dress, sporting her newly debuted chocolate-brown blunt bob haircut.

Her presence added Hollywood flair to an already star-studded lineup that included Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan, who praised Saudi Arabia’s warmth and hospitality; pop superstar Katy Perry, who opened the show with a high-energy performance of her hits; and Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award alongside former Egyptian Culture Minister Farouk Hosny.

Other highlights included musical sets by Robbie Williams and Il Divo, plus special honors for Arab icons like singer Assala Nasri (Honorary Joy Award) and emerging talents such as Mohammed Fadl Shaker (Best New Music Artist).

The ceremony underscored Riyadh’s growing role as a global entertainment hub, bridging regional creativity with international appeal.

For Brown, the award caps a transformative year marked by personal milestones and professional transitions. As she steps beyond Stranger Things—with upcoming projects like Enola Holmes 3—her Joy Awards win reinforces her status as a multifaceted force in entertainment and inspiration.

The night proved once again that joy transcends borders, uniting diverse voices in celebration of talent and perseverance.