The National Film & TV Awards South Africa returned for its highly anticipated second edition on November 9, 2024, transforming Pretoria’s iconic State Theatre into a dazzling celebration of African talent, creativity, and innovation. Hosted by an impressive lineup—Jordan Kensington, Lesedi Phala, and Nicole Watson from Real Housewives of Johannesburg—the event gathered the industry’s biggest stars and an enthusiastic audience, marking a major highlight on South Africa’s entertainment calendar.
The National Film Academy, with its storied 26-year history, stands as a global force in film and television, representing over 7.5 million members. Renowned for prestigious awards like the National Film Awards UK, National Film & TV Awards USA, and the National Reality Television Awards, the Academy expanded its influence into South Africa just last year, establishing this awards show to honor the region’s finest talent in film and TV. The event’s second annual edition carried on that legacy with style, spotlighting the best in African entertainment.
Setting the tone for an emotional and inspiring evening, the ceremony began with an opening prayer, filling the theater with an atmosphere of reverence and excitement. This year’s awards saw unprecedented engagement, with 3.7 million votes cast by fans nationwide to support their favorite stars in film, television, and digital media. The atmosphere was electric as celebrities and creatives awaited their moments of recognition.
Honoring the Stars of the Night
From powerful performances to rising newcomers, the event honored exceptional talent across various categories. Among the winners:
- Best Actress: Nambitha Ben-Mazwi for Savage Beauty and Empini
- Best Actor: Bonko Khoza for Red Ink
- Best Actress in a TV Series: Zikhona Sodlaka for Gqeberha – The Empire
- Best Newcomer: Katlego Lebogang for Yoh! Christmas & Spinners
- Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series: Sannah Mchunu for Gomora
- Outstanding Performance: Deli Malinga for Umkhokha – The Curse
- Best Feature Film: Heart of the Hunter directed by Mandla Dube
These awards underscored the remarkable breadth of talent, from celebrated veterans to fresh voices emerging on the scene. The night’s winners, drawn from across South Africa and Africa, showcased the vibrancy of African storytelling and the commitment of creators to elevating the region’s narratives.
Celebrating the Event’s Generous Sponsors
This spectacular night was made possible by the support of leading brands such as Douwe Egberts, Kryolan, Vida Is Life, Dechavel Watches, Yenza Sneakers, VK Jewellery, and many others. Their sponsorship highlighted the value of investing in the arts and underscored a commitment to uplifting African media and culture.
An Evening to Remember
As the awards wrapped up, the celebration continued with a VIP afterparty, where industry leaders, nominees, and winners mingled, shared their stories, and celebrated the triumphs of the evening. The National Film & TV Awards South Africa has quickly solidified its place as a premier event, honoring African excellence and shining a light on the region’s impact on global entertainment. This year’s event was not just a ceremony but a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and talent within African media—a true triumph for all who took part.