Celebrating Excellence: National Film & TV Awards South Africa 2024 Nominees Announced

Johannesburg, South Africa – September 23, 2024: The National Film Academy today announced the full list of this year’s 2nd annual prestigious National Film & TV Awards South Africa (NFTA), celebrating the finest achievements in the film and television industry in South Africa. With over 1.7 million public submissions received this year, the NFTA continues its mission to elevate and showcase South African talent on a global stage, connecting the local industry to international audiences.

With a rich 26-year history, the National Film Academy is one of the world’s largest film and TV organisations, boasting over 7.5 million members globally. As the driving force behind prestigious awards such as the National Film Awards UK, National Film & TV Awards USA, and National Reality Television Awards, the Academy expanded into South Africa last year, introducing the flagship National Film & TV Awards. The 2nd annual South African edition of the NFTA is set to take place at the Opera Theatre in Pretoria on November 9th, 2024.

Sara Kensington, Global Partnerships Director at the National Film Academy, commented: “As the only awards show of its kind to expand into South Africa, the NFTA stands out with its unique vision of promoting South African talent to the world. The 2024 edition promises a grand celebration of South African excellence, with the ceremony set for November 9th, 2024, at the prestigious Opera Theatre.” She continued, “South African film and television have long been a reflection of the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. Our ongoing theme, ‘Connecting South Africa to the World through Film and Television,’ underscores our commitment to ensuring that South Africa’s global impact of local storytelling and talent are recognised worldwide.”

The National Film & TV Awards South Africa will be broadcast to 15 countries, showcasing the depth and breadth of South African movies and talent to a global audience. The awards will also be streamed live on Voovix TV, a leading European streaming platform with over 4.5 million subscribers, now available in South Africa.

With nominees representing the best in creativity, innovation, and artistry, this year’s nominees exemplify the vibrancy of South Africa’s film and television industry.

Key Sponsors & Global Partnerships:

The 2024 National Film & TV Awards is supported by a prestigious lineup of sponsors, each playing a pivotal role in making this event a success:

• Douwe Egberts – Proud sponsor of the Best TV Drama Series category.
• Kryolan – Proud sponsor for the Best Actress in a TV Series category.
• Yenza Sneakers – Official sponsor of the Best Podcast category.
• VK Jewellery, Krispy Kreme, Nu Metro Cinemas, Dechavel Watches, Deuce Gin, Bank Republic, and Telephonos are among other sponsors contributing to this grand celebration of South African talent.

In collaboration with Nu Metro Cinemas and Voovix TV, the NFTA is also launching a nationwide talent search, South Africa’s Next Superstar, offering aspiring actors, actresses, comedians, and filmmakers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feature in a new film project. Winners will attend premieres in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and an all-expenses-paid trip to London will include signing a contract with the global management agency, Bank Republic.

The 2024 edition promises thrilling head-to-head showdowns in several key categories, including:

• Best Actress 2024 (sponsored by VK Jewellery) features an impressive lineup, including:
  • Nambitha Ben-Mazwi (Savage Beauty/Empini), whose dual roles have captivated audiences.
  • Katlego Lebogang (Yoh! Christmas/Spinners), who shines in her vibrant and diverse performances.
  • Ama Qamata (Blood and Water), a young talent who continues to impress with her depth and charisma.

  They are joined by seasoned icons like Connie Ferguson (Heart of the Hunter) and rising stars such as Kwanele Mthetwa (Lobola Man), all competing in what promises to be one of the most closely watched categories of the night.

In the Best Actor 2024 category (sponsored by Krispy Kreme), Siyabonga Twala (Empini) and Lawrence Maleka (Lobola Man) lead the pack with their powerful, nuanced performances, while Sisanda Henna (Heart of the Hunter) and Melusi Mbele (The Butchers Soul) bring their unique intensity to the competition. The category also features standout performances from Bonko Khoza (Red Ink) and Lunga Shabalala (A Soweto Love Story), showcasing a dynamic mix of experience and fresh talent.

The Best TV Drama Series 2024 (sponsored by Douwe Egberts) sees a thrilling competition among South Africa’s top series, with Savage Beauty and Blood and Water leading the nominations. They are joined by popular favourites like House of Zwide, the critically acclaimed Diepe Waters, and the long-running success Skeem Saam, each series representing the diverse storytelling that South African television has to offer.

Full List of Nominees for the 2nd Annual National Film & TV Awards South Africa

Best Actress 2024

Sponsored by VK Jewellery

• Nambitha Ben-Mazwi – Savage Beauty, Empin
• Katlego Lebogang – Yoh! Christmas, Spinners
• Ama Qamata – Blood and Water
• Rosemary Zimu – Savage Beauty
• Sivenathi Mabuye – How to Ruin Love
• Deli Malinga – Umkokha: The Curse
• Nthati Mosheshe – Savage Beauty
• Kwanele Mthetwa – Lobola Man
• Lethabo Mekoa – Skeem Saam
• Megan Saayman – Old Righteous Blues
• Connie Ferguson – Heart of the Hunter
• Motsoaledi Setumon – A Soweto Love Story

Best Actor 2024

Sponsored by Krispy Kreme

• Siyabonga Twala – Empini
• Sisanda Henna – Heart of the Hunter
• Melusi Mbele – The Butchers Soul
• Louw Venter – Som van Twee
• Kagiso Madupe – Losing Lerato 2
• Lawrence Maleka – Lobola Man
• Bonko Khoza – Red Ink
• Lunga Shabalala – A Soweto Love Story
• Pietie Beyers – Eksie Pefektsie
• Ayden Croy – Old Righteous Blues

Best Newcomer 2024

Sponsored by Deuce Gin

• Imani Pullum – Classified
• Nefisa Mkhabela – House of Zwide
• Cantona James – Spinners
• Karabo Magongwa – House of Zwide
• Keabetswe Masango – Youngins (Season 1)
• Siya Raymond Sepotokele – Yoh! Christmas
• Mienke Ehlers – Wyfie
• Katlego Lebogang – Yoh! Christmas, Spinners
• Hlatseboy Moropo – Skeem Saam

Best Actress in a TV Series 2024

Sponsored by Kryolan

• Nqobile Khumalo – Red Ink
• Deli Malinga – Umkokha: The Curse
• Marlee van der Merwe – Binnelanders
• Beata Bena Green – Wyfie
• Cindy Swanepoel – Koek
• Buntu Petse – Miseducation
• Zikhona Sodlaka – Gqeberha: The Empire
• Nambitha Ben Mazwi – Empini
• Busi Kondleka – Lindelwa
• Makoma Mohale – Queen Modjadji
• Kim Engelbrecht – Reyka

Best Actor in a TV Series 2024

• S’dumo Mtshali – My Brothers Keeper
• Motlatsi Mafatshe – House of Zwide
• Kwenzo Ngcobo – Ekhaya Backpackers
• Thembinkosi Mthembu – The River
• Siyabonga Twala – Empini
• Jesse Suntele – Savage Beauty
• Sipho Ndlovu – Queen Modjadji
• Wiseman Mncube – Uzalo (Season 9)
• Thembinkosi Mthembu – Shaka iLembe, Adulting
• Dumisani Mbepe – Savage Beauty
• Jason Willemse – U’Bettina Wethu

Best Supporting Actress 2024

• Kathleen Stephens – Runs in the Family
• Bokang Phelane – The Butchers Soul
• Khosi Ngema – Blood and Water
• Leandie du Randt – Som van Twee
• Motsoaledi Setumo – A Soweto Love Story
• Lortia Cooper – Red Ink
• Wanda Banda – Blood and Water
• Margurite van Eeden – Wyfie
• June van Merch – Hans Steek die Rubicon Oor
• Masasa Mbangeni – Heart of the Hunter

Best Supporting Actor 2024

• Bohang Moeko – A Soweto Love Story
• Kagiso Modupe – Yoh! Christmas
• Phila Modlingozi – Gqeberha
• Givenman Stuurman – Piano Love
• Aubrey Makola – Queen Modjadji
• Lemogang Tsipa – Reyka
• Adrian Alper – Seconds
• Emmanuel Castis – The Shakedown
• Pierre Breytenbach – Som van Twee
• Vuyo Dabula – The Butchers Soul
• Joshwin Dyson – Old Righteous Blues

Best TV Drama Series 2024

Sponsored by Douwe Egberts

• Savage Beauty
• In Your Dreams
• Blood and Water
• Isono: The Sin
• My Brothers Keeper
• House of Zwide
• Diepe Waters
• Redemption
• Skeem Saam
• Suidooster
• Binnelanders

Best Male TV Personality 2024

• Emo Adams – Noot vir Noot S47
• Katlego Maboe – Deal or No Deal
• Thomas Mlambo – Extra Time
• Lawrence Maleka – Big Brother Mzansi
• Graeme Richards – Expresso Morning Show
• Lasizwe Dambuza – Awkward Dates
• Jason Goliath – Last One Laughing