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Turkish drama stars made a prominent appearance at the Joy Awards 2026, held at ANB Arena in Riyadh on Jan. 17, as the ceremony once again leaned into its "lavender carpet" identity and drew broad Arab and international participation.
Joy Awards is an annual entertainment awards ceremony held in Saudi Arabia, recognizing achievements across acting, music, cinema, and digital content from the Arab world and beyond.
The ceremony is known for its high-profile red carpet, branded as the “lavender carpet,” and for featuring cross-regional participation, including artists from Arab countries and international entertainment industries.
On the carpet, Hande Ercel was among the most prominent Turkish attendees, while Meryem Uzerli drew attention in a couture look, joined by Tuba Buyukustun, Hazal Kaya, and Pinar Deniz. On the men’s side, Halit Ergenc and Baris Arduc appeared in classic formal styling, attracting heavy photographer interest amid wide regional coverage.
The Turkish presence extended beyond fashion moments into the televised program itself. Halit Ergenc and Tuba Buyukustun took the stage to present the Best Levant Series award, which went to the Lebanese series "Salma."
Ercel and Baris Arduc also shared the spotlight as presenters, handing out the award for Best Arab Actress, in a segment that circulated widely online.
This kind of visibility at the Joy Awards fits into a wider regional pattern: Türkiye’s cultural footprint in Arab entertainment spaces is no longer limited to guest appearances but increasingly includes jury leadership, major festival prizes, and headline honors.
Against that backdrop, Turkish celebrities at the Joy Awards 2026 appeared not only on the red carpet but also as onstage presenters within the ceremony’s program.
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