Dubai, UAE — Sept. 2026 — The 26th edition of the Murex d’Or Awards took over the Casino du Liban, Lebanon, and it did not disappoint. Trophies, tributes, and a red carpet packed with some of the region’s biggest names in drama, film, and music.
Founded in 2000 by Lebanese physicians Dr. Zahi and Dr. Fadi Helou, the Murex d’Or has grown over more than two decades into the Arab world’s leading pan-regional arts award, honoring achievement in theatre, television drama, and music across Lebanon and the wider Arab region.
This year’s ceremony carried the theme “Back to the Roots, Eye on the Future,” a nod to the award’s history even as it looks ahead to a new generation of talent.
View this post on Instagram
The rundown
Doors opened with the red carpet at 6:00 PM, dinner followed at 7:30, and the main ceremony kicked off at 8:30 sharp. Syrian actor Moatasem Al Nahar and Lebanese presenter Maya Aboul Hosn hosted, and kept the packed room moving through a night full of tributes and star turns.
The moment everyone’s talking about? Ragheb Alama’s tribute. The Lebanese superstar was honored for four decades in the industry, and visibly moved, grabbed the mic himself to run through a medley of his biggest hits.
Other lifetime and career honors went to Egyptian actress Laila Eloui, Lebanese actor-director George Chalhoub, and actor/director Joe Kaddih for his work in Lebanese theatre.
Who won
The drama categories were stacked this year. Here’s a glimpse of who got a trophy:
- Taim Hassan — Best Syrian Arab Actor in Syrian Drama, for Mawlana
- Qusai Khouli — Best Syrian Arab Actor in Arab Co-Production Drama, for Bikhams Arwah
- Amr Saad — Best Egyptian Arab Actor in Egyptian Drama, for Efrag
- Bassem Moughnieh — Best Lebanese Actor, for Bel Haram
- Yorgo Chalhoub — Excellence in Acting Award, for Al Mohafaza 15
And here’s the plot twist of the night: host Motasem Al Nahar ended up winning too, taking home the Audience Choice Award for his role in Lobby Al Gharam. On the music side, Carmen Bsaibes and Farah Nakhoul also took top honors for their standout years.
Obviously, the fashion
Razane Jammal brought the drama in a bold red Carolina Herrera maxi dress, keeping it simple but striking, and letting her Yessayan Jewellery do the talking.
View this post on Instagram
Carmen Bsaibes played it elegant in an all-white Rami Kadi gown with sparkling detail across the bodice — a fittingly polished look for a night that also saw her take home Best Lebanese Actress.
Mirna Khayat went bold with a dramatic charcoal, sequined cape-style gown featuring an oversized collar and a plunging neckline, cinched at the waist with a structured belt, a sleek, edgy departure from the usual gowns.
From right to left: Carmen Bsaibes, Mirna Khayyat and Julia Kassar at Murex D’Or 2026. Photographer: Selena Abou Moussa
Rounding things out, Julia Kassar rocked a champagne-toned gown covered in intricate beadwork brought old-Hollywood glamour, its sweetheart neckline and soft draping paired with a delicate scarf-like wrap at the shoulders.
If you’re new to Murex d’Or, it’s basically the Arab world’s answer to the biggest entertainment award shows, running since 2000 and past its 26th year now. Previous editions have honored names like Myriam Fares, Ahlam, Balqees, and Nadine Njeim.
So that’s the recap. Another year, another packed house at Casino du Liban, another round of surprises and if this year’s theme is any indication, next year’s should be worth tuning in for too.
