via Reuters
Before welcoming 2023, we must adequately wave goodbye to 2022. And there’s no better way to do that than with year-end highlights. This list will roll out the most streamed artists, movies, shows, and more of our year. Of course, picking out the winners is relative, so if your favourite show didn’t get picked, let’s agree to disagree!
The “Top Tier” Award – Keera Wel Gin
via Amwal Al Ghad
Being the highest-grossing Egyptian movie of the year, out of 24 films, with a total of 120 million EGP, Keera Wel Gin deserves this one.
The “Tackling Taboos” Award – Ashab Wala A3az
via The Gazelle
Multiple movies and shows were accused of moral degradation and embellishing plots to disrupt Arab society this year. But none of which got as much backlash as this remake of the Italian hit Perfect Strangers!
The “Notorious Comeback” Award – El Kebeer 6
via Almasr Alyoum
With Donia Samir Ghanem's departure last season, El Kebeer’s ratings inevitably fell compared to previous years, leading to its ending. But after a six-year hiatus, the show was back with fresh faces and jokes while staying true to its roots.
The “You Nailed It” Award – Mon3ataf Khatar
via Akhbar Alyawm
With the rise of adaptations of foreign shows, like Magnouna Beek, El Anesa Farah, and El Nazwa, Mon3ataf Khatar shined the brightest.
The “Leaving a Mark” Award – Rag3een Ya Hawa
via Filfan
This posthumous adaptation of Osama Anwar Okasha’s masterpiece was awarded the best comedy release of the year at the Cairo Drama Festival.
The “Sight for Sore Eyes” Award – Geziret Ghamam
via Youm7
Amid the hectic shooting schedules of the Ramadan season, very few directors took the time to ensure that, aside from the stories being told, the frames used were aesthetically pleasing. Then comes Geziret Ghamam, which you could put on mute yet still enjoy its magnificent scenery.
The “Rebooted, Revived, and Revamped” Award – El Bahs 3an Ola
via Alsiyrat Aldhaatia
Over a decade after the release of 3ayza Atgawez, Ola Abdelsabour returned in a new adventure on Netflix. The change in the show’s setting offended some audience members, but we must admit that, as a reboot, it was an absolute hit!
The “Raw and Real” Award – Wesh w Dahr
via Filfan
Movies and shows tend to portray the two extreme ends of class, with unrealistically posh lifestyles in mansions and highlighting those falling below the poverty line and lacking the necessities of life. Wesh w Dahr was a fresh breath of air we didn’t know we needed, with an authentic love story between middle-class citizens and the beautiful scenery of Tanta.
The “Jump Scare” Award – Room 207
via Elaosboa
Egypt’s infamous horror movies and shows tended to flop until Room 207. Following a cursed hotel room where its guests get haunted by ghosts of their past, it kept us on the edge of our seats.
The “Low Budget, High Quality” Award – Sahbety
via Khatet
The award-winning 17-minute-long short film was Kawthar Younis’ directorial debut. It starred Elham Chahine’s niece, Elham Safy Eldin, and Mark Hagar, both of whom won awards for their roles.
The “Showstopper” Award – Anistoona
via Youm7
The revival of on-stage plays witnessed the production of numerous plays, but this one stood out the most. Could it be because of Donia Samir Ghanem’s angelic vocals, or is it just that she has her father’s genes?
The “Scene Stealer” Award – Rahma Ahmed Farag
via Sayidaty
Going home with an award from the very first edition of the Cairo Drama Festival for your breakout role as Marbouha in the sixth season of El Kebeer will forever be memorable.
The “Arabs Glory” Award – Wegz
via Sayidaty
He debuted his acting career in the highly acclaimed series Bimbo, was crowned the most-streamed artist in the MENA region, had his heartbreak anthem El Bakht the number one viewed Arabic song of the year, and released and performed his FIFA World Cup official song at its closing ceremony.
The “Music Speaks” Award – Cairokee
via Al-Ain
They blessed us with a no-skip album, ROMA, and starred and produced the soundtrack for their musical show, Rivo. The good news is that the second season is currently in the making!
The “Doppleganger” Award – Yasser Galal
via Almasr Alyoum
Many actors embody their roles through method acting, where they become the character. However, we can all agree that Yasser Galal was too deep into character, especially with the tone of voice, gait, and gesticulations.
The “Out of the Box” Award – Mohamed Amin Rady
via E3lam
Known for his bizarre storylines and over-the-top characters, the screenwriter struck again with Menawara Be Ahlaha. His shows, Niran Sadiqa, El Saba3 Wasaya, and El 3ahd, are well underrated as they target a niche of viewers.
The “Hollywood Invasion” Award – Mohamed Diab
via Slash Film
If we were to tell you that Marvel’s latest show features an Egyptian superhero, you’d call us crazy. Now imagine being told Ahmed Saad’s El Melouk is a viral sensation globally! All that and much more is credited to none other than Mohamed Diab’s extraordinary work in Moon Knight.
The “Chameleon” Award – Reham Abdelghafour
via Filfan
The starlet gave us three killer performances: the simple girl undergoing a moral dilemma in Wesh w Dahr, a mother grieving the loss of her daughter in Mon3ataf Khatar, and the horrifying manipulative ghost in Room 207.
