Beirut, Lebanon — International actor, director, and writer Walid Chaya, known for his work in Hollywood film and television, graced the red carpet at the 2025 Murex D’Or Awards in Beirut last month. The prestigious ceremony, often dubbed the Middle East’s equivalent of the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys, celebrates outstanding achievements in film, television, music, and digital media across the Arab world.
Chaya, who is based in Los Angeles, happened to be in Beirut last month for a series of creative meetings surrounding his upcoming feature film ‘Crazy Rich Arabs’, along with a slate of other international projects currently in development. While in town, he was invited to attend the Murex D’Or, where he joined industry luminaries, artists, and media figures for an evening honoring excellence in Arab entertainment.
From walking the red carpet to attending the televised ceremony, Chaya shared his appreciation for Lebanon’s thriving creative scene and its global influence. “The Murex D’Or represents not only artistic recognition but cultural pride,” he noted. “It’s inspiring to see such a world-class celebration of Arab talent and storytelling.”
Founded by Drs. Zahi and Fadi Helou, the Murex D’Or has become one of the region’s most anticipated annual events, drawing stars from across the Middle East and beyond. This year’s edition highlighted cross-cultural collaborations and the growing presence of Arab artists on international platforms—a theme that resonates deeply with Chaya’s own work bridging Hollywood and the Middle East.
For more on Walid Chaya’s upcoming projects and film initiatives, visit walidchaya.com and follow him on Instagram @walid.chaya.
With ‘Crazy Rich Arabs’ set to spotlight stories between Beirut and Los Angeles, Chaya’s attendance at the Murex D’Or underscored his commitment to fostering dialogue between global and Arab entertainment industries. His participation symbolized a homecoming of sorts—celebrating both his Lebanese roots and his expanding footprint in international cinema.
