Title: Fostering Arab Creativity: The Case for an “Arab Oscar” and the Role of the Arab League Secretary General as Strategic Sponsor Author: [Institutional/Affiliation placeholder] Date: April 14, 2026
Abstract This paper explores the potential of establishing a pan-Arab film and creative arts award—colloquially termed the “Arab Oscar”—as a mechanism to unify, elevate, and export Arab cultural production. It argues that the Secretary General of the Arab League is uniquely positioned to serve as the institutional sponsor of such an initiative. Drawing on cultural economics, soft power theory, and regional integration frameworks, the paper outlines the current fragmentation of Arab creative industries, the symbolic and logistical value of League endorsement, and concrete steps for implementation. The analysis concludes that an Arab Oscar, sponsored at the highest diplomatic level, could stimulate local talent, counter stereotypical narratives, and strengthen Arab cultural sovereignty.
1. Introduction Arab creativity has long been a cornerstone of world civilization—from golden age poetry and calligraphy to contemporary cinema and digital art. Yet, despite a rich tapestry of national film festivals (Cairo, Carthage, Marrakech, Dubai) and regional awards (e.g., Malta’s Arabia Felix, Murex d’Or), the Arab world lacks a single, universally recognized, pan-Arab film and arts prize equivalent to the Academy Awards (“Oscar”) or the Goya Awards. This fragmentation dilutes recognition, limits cross-border collaboration, and reduces global cultural impact. The Arab League, founded in 1945, has historically focused on political and economic coordination. However, its 2020 Cultural Development Strategy explicitly calls for “joint Arab cultural action.” This paper posits that the League’s Secretary General—as the organization’s highest representative—could sponsor an annual “Arab Oscar” to catalyze creative industries, foster a shared Arab narrative, and project soft power. The central research question: How can the Secretary General’s sponsorship transform a fragmented awards landscape into a cohesive engine for Arab creativity?
2. The Current State of Arab Creative Recognition 2.1 Fragmentation and Underfunding At present, over 22 separate film and television awards operate across Arab League member states. Major examples include: arab creativity oscar arab league secretary general sponsor
Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) – oldest and only FIAPF-accredited festival in Africa & the Arab world. Carthage Film Festival (JCC) – focuses on African and Arab cinema. Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) – now defunct but historically prominent. Murex d’Or – Lebanese music and TV awards. Arab Film Awards – sporadic, industry-driven.
None carries the pan-Arab legitimacy or consistent funding of a state-backed, League-level prize. Consequently, top Arab talents often seek validation through Western awards (Oscar, Cannes, BAFTA), which, while prestigious, rarely reflect indigenous aesthetic criteria or cultural contexts. 2.2 Lost Opportunities in Soft Power According to the 2025 Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brands Index, no Arab nation ranks in the top 20 for cultural influence. A unified award would concentrate attention, attract international media, and create a regular “moment” for Arab stories to reach global audiences—similar to how South Korea’s Baeksang Arts Awards amplified Hallyu (Korean Wave).
3. The “Arab Oscar”: Definition and Design For the purpose of this paper, the Arab Oscar is defined as: An annual, non-political, merit-based award for excellence in film, television, digital content, and traditional creative arts (music, literature, design), organized under the auspices of the Arab League, with categories mirroring international standards but adapted to Arab cultural production. Proposed categories: Title: Fostering Arab Creativity: The Case for an
Best Narrative Feature (live-action & animation) Best Documentary Best Director Best Actor / Actress Best Screenplay Best Original Score (recognizing Arab maqam traditions) Best Digital Series (Arabic language) Lifetime Achievement in Arab Creativity
A rotating host city (e.g., Cairo, Rabat, Amman, Riyadh) would ensure geographic equity.
4. The Secretary General as Sponsor: Rationale and Functions 4.1 Symbolic Capital The Secretary General (SG) embodies the collective will of 22 member states. SG sponsorship confers: The analysis concludes that an Arab Oscar, sponsored
Neutrality – not favoring any single national industry. Diplomatic weight – ability to invite heads of state, UNESCO representatives, and international film bodies. Continuity – the award survives changes in national governments.
4.2 Concrete Roles of the SG As sponsor, the Secretary General would: