National Film & TV Awards South Africa 2024: A Grand Celebration of Excellence in Film and Television

The National Film Academy has officially revealed the full list of nominees for the prestigious 2nd annual National Film & TV Awards (NFTA) South Africa, a monumental event celebrating the finest achievements in South Africa’s film and television industry. This year, with over 1.7 million public submissions received, the NFTA continues its mission to elevate local talent onto the global stage, connecting South Africa’s thriving industry to international audiences.

With a rich legacy spanning 26 years, the National Film Academy is one of the largest film and TV organizations globally, boasting a membership of over 7.5 million. Known for its flagship 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 with the introduction of the NFTA. The highly anticipated 2nd annual South African edition will take place on November 9th, 2024, at the Opera Theatre in Pretoria.

Sara Kensington, Global Partnerships Director at the National Film Academy, expressed excitement about the event, saying, “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 at the prestigious Opera Theatre.”

Kensington further emphasized the global impact of South African film and television, stating, “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 local storytelling and talent are recognized on a global scale.”

The National Film & TV Awards South Africa will be broadcast in 15 countries, showcasing the vibrant creativity and talent of South African filmmakers and actors to a global audience. The event will also be streamed live on Voovix TV, a leading European streaming platform with over 4.5 million subscribers, which recently expanded to South Africa.

This year’s nominees represent the best in South African creativity, innovation, and artistry. The lineup features established stars alongside rising talents, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of the nation’s film and television industry.

Key Sponsors & Global Partnerships:

The 2024 National Film & TV Awards is supported by an esteemed lineup of sponsors, all playing a critical role in the event’s success. Notable sponsors include:

• Douwe Egberts – Proud sponsor of the Best TV Drama Series category.
• Kryolan – Proud sponsor of the Best Actress in TV Series category.
• Yenza Sneakers – Official sponsor of the Best Podcast category.
• Other notable sponsors include VK Jewellery, Krispy Kreme, Nu Metro Cinemas, Dechavel Watches, Deuce Gin, and Bank Republic.

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

Highlighted Categories:

The competition this year promises thrilling head-to-head showdowns in several key categories:

• Best Actress 2024, sponsored by VK Jewellery, features a star-studded lineup, including:

  • Nambitha Ben-Mazwi (Savage Beauty/Empini)
  • Katlego Lebogang (Yoh! Christmas/Spinners)
  • Ama Qamata (Blood and Water)
  • Connie Ferguson (Heart of the Hunter)
  • Kwanele Mthetwa (Lobola Man)

• Best Actor 2024, sponsored by Krispy Kreme, highlights powerful performances from:

  • Siyabonga Twala (Empini)
  • Lawrence Maleka (Lobola Man)
  • Sisanda Henna (Heart of the Hunter)
  • Melusi Mbele (The Butcher’s Soul)
  • Bonko Khoza (Red Ink)
  • Lunga Shabalala (A Soweto Love Story)

• Best TV Drama Series 2024, sponsored by Douwe Egberts, includes nominations for:

  • Savage Beauty
  • Blood and Water
  • House of Zwide
  • Diepe Waters
  • Skeem Saam

Public Voting and Global Reach:

Public voting for the awards opens on Telephonos.com from September 23rd to October 26th, 2024. The NFTA’s live-streaming partnership with Voovix TV ensures that the awards ceremony is accessible to viewers across Europe and beyond, further expanding the reach of South African film and television.

Tickets for the prestigious event are now available via Web Tickets.

As the NFTA returns for its second edition, it remains a vital platform for shining a global spotlight on the extraordinary talent coming out of South Africa, paving the way for new opportunities and global recognition.