Entertainment Reporter.
The 15th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAS) have released their much-awaited annual nominees list for the upcoming 2021 award ceremony set to be held in May. This year’s edition is admittedly remarkable with newcomer Netflix South Africa landing 45 spots on the nominations list. How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding leads the pack with 10 nominations. This year’s awards will prove very competitive with telenovela favourites from local production house Tshedza Pictures The River and newcomer Legacy earning 12 nominations each.
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding is admittedly the best limited TV comedy series to have come out of 2020, and has been nominated for the “Best Comedy” where it will contend with Showmax original Black Tax and SABC’s The Riviera. The “Best Actress” and “Best Supporting Actress” nomination went to Busisiwe Lurayi and Clementine Mosimane while Desmond Dube and Motlatsi Mafatshe are both nominated for “Best Supporting Actor
The first season of Blood & Water received five nominations for the highly prized “Best TV Drama”. Nosiphos Dumisa’s directing has also been acknowledged with a “Best Achievement in Directing” nomination. The popular teen drama is also contending in the “Best Achievement in Sound”, “Best Achievement in Scriptwriting” and “Best Achievement in Cinematography” categories.
Season 1 of Queen Sono also managed to pull in five nominations, among them “Best Supporting Actor” for legendary actor James Ngcobo’s portrayal of President Malunga. The spy series also got nominee nods for its wardrobe, editing, scriptwriting and the stellar art direction. The female-led Netflix romcom Seriously Single written by Lwazi Mvusi bagged two nominations and My Octopus Teacher, which recently won a Oscar, is nominated for “Best Natural History and Environmental Programme”.
Last year Tshedza Pictures walked away with 17 trophies; The River raked in most of them and its lead actress Sindi Dlathu bagged the most coveted title of the night, the “Best Actress” award. Her astounding performance as Lindiwe Dikana has landed her another nomination in the same category this year. The show has since grown in popularity and together with new telenovela, Legacy, have claimed 24 nominations for the 15th instalment of the SAFTAs.
South Africa’s longstanding primetime soapies Skeem Saam, 7de Laan, Rhythm City and Scandal! which enjoy a cult following, have also been nominated.
The 2021 SAFTAs are taking place on Saturday, May 22.
Here is a look at the full list of nominees:
Best Short Film
Heirloom (Butterfly Films)
The Stranger (TH Films (Pty) Ltd)
Uxolile (Zinc Pictures)
Best Student Film
Binding Adventures from The Animation School
Flower in the Subway from The Animation School
The Boy and the Robin from The Animation School
TV Soap/Telenovela
Best Achievement in Directing – Telenovela
Gomora Season 1 (Mzansi Magic)
Isono (BET Africa)
Legacy (MNet)
Best Achievement in Directing – TV Soap
Binnelanders (kykNET)
Rhythm City (E.tv)
Scandal! (E.tv)
Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – Telenovela
Gomora Season 1 (Mzansi Magic)
Imbewu Season 3 (E.tv)
The River (1Magic)
Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – TV Soap
Getroud met Rugby (kykNET)
Rhythm City (E.tv)
Scandal! (E.tv)
Best Achievement in Original Music/Score
The River (1Magic)
Arendsvlei Season 2 (kykNET)
Isibaya (Mzansi Magic)
Gomora Season 1 (Mzansi Magic)
Best Achievement in Editing – Telenovela
Legacy (MNet)
The Queen (Mzansi Magic)
The River (1Magic)
Best Achievement in Sound – TV Soap/Telenovela
Arendsvlei Season 2 (kykNET)
Scandal (E.tv)
The River (1Magic)
Best Achievement in Cinematography – Telenovela
Durban Gen (E.tv)
Legacy (MNet)
The River (1Magic)
Best Achievement in Wardrobe – TV Soap/Telenovela
Durban Gen (E.tv)
Legacy (MNet)
The River (1Magic)
Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling- TV Soap/Telenovela
Legacy (1Magic)
Durban Gen (E.tv)
7de Laan (SABC 2)
Best Achievement in Art Direction – TV Soap/Telenovela
Legacy (MNet)
Lithapo (SABC 2)
Durban Gen (E.tv)
Best Actress – Telenovela
Crystal Donna Roberts, Arendsvlei (kykNET) – Character: Janice Cupido
Mary-anne Barlow, Legacy (MNet) – Character: Felicity Price
Sindi Dlathu, The River (1Magic) – Character: Lindiwe
Best Actor – Telenovela
Dawid Minnaar, Legacy (MNet) – Character: Willem Potgieter
Menzi Ngubane, Isibaya (Mzansi Magic) – Character: Judas Nqwenya
Presley Chweneyagae, The River (1Magic) – Character: Cobra
Best Supporting Actress – Telenovela
Rami Chuene, Isono (BET Africa) – Character: Jumima Ndlovu
Michelle Botes, Legacy (MNet) – Character: Angelique Price
Quanita Adams, Arendsvlei Season 2 (kykNET) – Character: Leatitia Meintjies
Best Supporting Actor – Telenovela
Andrew Buckland, Legacy (MNet) – Character: Detective Badenhorst
Lawrence Maleka, The River (1Magic) – Character: Zolani
Meshack Mavuso Magabane, The River (1Magic) – Character: Nsizwa
Best Actress – TV Soap
Cindy Swanepoel, Binnelanders (kykNET) – Character: Annelize Roux
Petronella Tshuma, Rhythm City (E.tv) – Character: Pearl Genaro
Shoki Mmola, Skeem Saam – (SABC 1) – Character: Celia Magongwa
Best Actor-TV Soap
Clint Brink, Binnelanders (kykNET) – Character: Steve Abrahams
Cedwyn Joel, Suidooster (kykNET) – Character: AB Samosodien
Bongile Mantsai, Scandal! (E.tv) – Character: Mthunzi Mayiza
Best Supporting Actress – TV Soap
Mapula Mafole, Rhythm City (E.tv) – Character: Mapula
Masasa Mbangeni, Scandal! (E.tv) – Character: Thembeka Shezi Nyathi
Portia Joel, Suidooster (kykNET) – Character: Lee Anne Jacobs
Best Supporting Actor – TV Soap
Molefi Monaisa, Skeem Saam (SABC 1) – Character: Wallet Rakau
Mothusi Magano, Skeem Saam (SABC 1) – Character: Tumishang
Roderick Jaftha, Getroud met Rugby (kykNET) – Character: Buys Isaacs
Best TV Soap
7de Laan (SABC 2)
Rhythm City (E.tv)
Scandal! (E.tv)
Best Telenovela
Gomora Season 1 (Mzansi Magic)
Legacy (MNet)
The River (1Magic)
TV Drama
Best Achievement in Directing – TV Drama
Blood and Water Season 1 (Netflix)
Lockdown Season 5 (Mzansi Magic)
Tydelik Terminal (kykNET)
Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – TV Drama
Blood and Water Season 1 (Netflix)
Housekeepers Season 2 (Mzansi Magic)
Inconceivable (MNet)
Still Breathing (MNet)
Best Achievement in Editing – TV Drama
Queen Sono Season 1 (Netflix)
Still Breathing (MNet)
Trackers (Mzansi Magic)
Best Achievement in Sound – TV Drama
Blood and Water Season 1 (Netflix)
Lockdown Season 5 (Mzansi Magic)
Still Breathing (Mnet)
Best Achievement in Original Music/Score-TV Drama
Housekeepers Season 2 (Mzansi Magic)
Lockdown Season 5 (Mzansi Magic)
Vula Vala (Mzansi Magic)
Best Achievement in Art Direction – TV Drama
Agent (Netflix)
Fynskrif Season 3 (MNet)
Queen Sono Season 1 (Netflix)
Best Achievement in Wardrobe – TV Drama
Queen Sono Season 1 (Netflix)
Still Breathing (MNet)
Unmarried (Mzansi Magic)
Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling – TV Drama
Still Breathing (MNet)
Lockdown (Mzansi Magic)
Trackers (Mzansi Magic)
Best Achievement in Cinematography – TV Drama
Blood and Water Season 1 (Netflix)
Inconceivable (MNet)
Still Breathing (MNet)
Best Actress – TV Drama
Kate Liquorish, Still Breathing (MNet) – Character: Abi
Tiffany Barbuzano, Still Breathing (MNet) – Character: Jessica
Tina Jaxa, Erased (Moja Love) – Character: Danai
Best Actor – TV Drama
Abduraghman Adams, Melody (SABC 2) – Character: Eric Abrahams
Brandon Auret, Still Breathing (MNet) – Character: Danny
Zolisa Xaluva, Kings of Joburg (Netflix) – Character: Mo Masire
Best Supporting Actress – TV Drama
Jay Anstey, Inconceivable (MNet) – Character: Tamsin Watts
June van Merch, Sara se Geheim Season 3 (kykNET) – Character: Sara
Lorcia Cooper Kumalo, Housekeepers Season 2 (Mzansi Magic) – Character: Mkhonto
Zola Nombona, Lockdown Season 5 (Mzansi Magic) – Character: Monde
Best Supporting Actor – TV Drama
James Ngcobo, Queen Sono Season 1 (Netflix) – Production: President Malunga
Lindani Nkosi, Housekeepers Season 2 (Mzansi Magic) – Character: Clive Ngubane
Michael Richard, Still Breathing (MNet) – Character: Colin
Best TV Drama
Agent (Netflix)
Blood and Water Season 1 (Netflix)
Inconceivable (MNet)
Lockdown Season 5 (Mzansi Magic)
Trackers (Mzansi Magic)
TV Comedy
Best Achievement in Directing -TV Comedy
Hotel (kykNET)
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix)
The Riviera (SABC 2)
Best Achievement in Scriptwriting -TV Comedy
Black Tax (BET Africa)
Hotel (kykNET)
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix)
Best Achievement in Editing – TV Comedy
Black Tax (BET Africa)
Cas Oppie Kassie (kykNET)
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix)
Best Achievement in Sound – TV Comedy
Black Tax (BET Africa)
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix)
The Riviera (SABC 2)
Best Achievement in Art Direction – TV Comedy
Die Vlieende Springbokkie Season 2 (The Flying Springbuck) (SABC 2)
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix)
The Riviera (SABC 2)
Best Achievement in Wardrobe – TV Comedy
Cas Oppie Kassie (kykNET)
Die Vlieende Springbokkie Season 2 (The Flying Springbuck) (SABC 2)
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix)
Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling – TV Comedy
Cas Oppie Kassie (kykNET)
Die Vlieende Springbokkie Season 2 (The Flying Springbuck) (SABC 2)
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix)
Best Achievement in Cinematography – TV Comedy
Cas Oppie Kassie (kykNET)
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix)
The Riviera (SABC 2)
Best Actress-TV Comedy
Busisiwe Lurayi, How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix) – Character: Tumi
Chanelle de Jager, Kniediep in die Warm Water (SABC 2) – Character: Sunet
Mari Molefe van Heerden, Die Vlieende Springbokkie Season 2 (The Flying Springbuck) (SABC 2) -Character: Captain FJ Bezuidenhout
Best Actor -TV Comedy
James Borthwick, Hotel (kykNET) – Character: Freddie
Keenan Arrison, The Riviera (SABC 2) – Character: Nazeem Isaacs
Mandla Jwara, Black Tax (BET Africa) – Character: Sizwe
Best Supporting Actress – TV Comedy
Chantal Herman, The Riviera (SABC 2) – Character: Liz Isaacs
Clementine Mosimane, How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix) – Character: Dineo Sello
Martelize Kolver, Hotel (kykNET) – Character: Brenda
Best Supporting Actor -TV Comedy
De Klerk Oelofse, Hotel (kykNET) – Character: Jaap
Desmond Dube, How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix) – Character: Shadrack
Motlatsi Mafatshe, How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix) – Character: Themba Twala
Best TV Comedy
Black Tax (BET Africa)
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix)
The Riviera (SABC 2)
Documentary Feature
Best Achievement in Directing – Documentary
A New Country – Sifiso Khanyile
Chasing the Sun – Greg Lomas & Gareth Whittaker
Days of Cannibalism – Teboho Edkins
How to Steal a Country – Rehad Desai & Mark Kaplan
Pango – Tami Marriott
Best Achievement in Cinematography – Documentary
Chasing the Sun – Carter Devin
Lefu – The Funeral – Maanda Nwendamutswu
Mother to Mother – Gray Kotze
Ngomusa – Katleho Tsotetsi
When The Flame Speaks – Katlego Mohapi
Best Achievement in Editing – Documentary
Badimo S1-Music and Trance – Priscilla Mandlate
Chasing the Sun – Christiaan Scheepers
How to Steal a Country – Megan Gill
Lefu – The Funeral – Nhlanhla Mngadi
When The Flame Speaks – Ikaye Masisi
Best Achievement in Sound – Documentary Feature
Badimo S1 – Music and Trance – Bernad Masoka
Days of Cannibalism – Teboho Edkins
How to Steal a Country – Charlotte Buys
Mother to Mother – Craig Ryneveld & Georg Hohn
When The Flame Speaks – Otsile Manyedi & Nakampe Mohale
Best Documentary Feature
A New Country – Production House: Anaphora Films
Days of Cannibalism – Production House: Day Zero Films
How to Steal a Country – Production House: Uhuru Productions
Mother to Mother – Production House: Seashore Films
Best Documentary Short
Lefu – The Funeral – Production House: STEPS
Lindela Under Lockdown! – Production House: Passion Seed Communications
When The Flame Speaks – Production House: Pontsho Visuals
Best Made for TV Documentary
Badimo S1-Music and Trance – Production House: MIRROR EFFECT MEDIA
Chasing the Sun – Production House: T and W
Evolution Of Mzansi Street Culture – Production House: SIMZ MRVL COMPANY
My Story Of Kwaito – I am Still In Love with Kwaito – Production House: Where Is The Beef Media
Best Natural History and Environmental Programme
Frozen Islands – Production House: Obsessively Creative
Kingdoms of Fire, Ice & Fairy Tales – Production House: Scott & de Bod Films
My Octopus Teacher – Production House: Sea Change Project
Realm of the Rattlesnake – Production House: Earth Touch
Best Children’s Programme
Big Breakfast (SABC 1) – Production House: Urban Brew Studios
Hectic on 3 Heritage Day (SABC 3) – Production House: Okuhle Media
Kids Safari Madagascar (DSTV Channel 155) – Production House: Lion Mountain Media – Real Time
Takalani Sesame Season 11 (SABC 2) – Production House: Ochre Media
YOTV Live -Trending Tuesday (SABC 1) – Production House: Urban Brew Studios
Best Competition Reality Show
Celebrity Mystery Box (Mzansi Magic) – Production House: Brightfire Pictures
The Taste Master SA (SABC 3) – Production House: Cardova Productions
Tropika Island of Treasure Curacao (SABC 3) – Production House: Cardova Productions
Best Structured or Docu-reality Show
A Very Bonang Year (SABC 1) – Production House: Celebrity Services Africa
Pale Ya Koša (SABC 2) – Production House: Full Circle Productions
Your People My People (History Channel) – Production House: Pillay Laurenz Media
Best International Format Show
Come Dine With Me South Africa Season 6 (BBC Lifestyle) – Production House: Rapid Blue
Family Feud South Africa Season 1 (E.tv) – Production House: Rapid Blue
Hoor My! Sien My! Soen My! (kykNET) – Production House: Afrokaans Film & Television
Ouma Weet Mos S01 (Via) – Production House: Wyrd Films
The Single Wives SA-Season 1 (Mnet) – Production House: Black Swan Media
Best Educational Programme
AMPD Studios Live – Episode 4 (MTV Base) – Production House: Haveyouheard
Going Strong S2- Losing a child (SABC 2) – Production House: MIRROR EFFECT MEDIA
Made In SA Season 6 (SABC 3) – Production House: Ochre Media
Teenagers on a Mission: The Periodic Table (SABC 1) – Production House: I Love That Productions
Best Factual Programme
Beyond S1, (Netflix) – Production House: Deaf Empire Studios
MegaBoere, (kykNET ) – Production House: Khaki Productions
Now or Never (SABC 1) – Production House: Dzuguda Productions
Speak Out (SABC 2) – Production House: Aviwe Business Development Services
The Devi Show (E.tv) – Production House: Etv
Best Current Affairs Programme
CARTE BLANCHE (Mnet) – Production House: Combined Artists
KZN Gangs (eNCA) – Production House: eNCA
Smoke & Mirrors (Carte Blanche/ DSTV) – Production House: Combined Artists
Snitches get stitches Parktown boys (Mnet) – Production House: TIA Productions
Best Variety Show
Motswako Season 20 (SABC 2) – Production House: Carol Bouwer Productions
Mzansi Magic Music Specials Season 5 (Mzansi Magic) – Production House: Don’t Look Down Productions & Agency
Republiek van Zoid Afrika (kykNET) – Production House: Brainwave Productions
Savanna Virtual Comedy Bar (Comedy central) – Production House: Mustard TV
Best Youth Programme
Africa Brags (MTV Base) – Production House: Lincoln Green Media
Kompleks (kykNET) – Production House: Infinity Films
MTV SHUGA NAIJA: YOUNG MOMS (MTV Base) – Production House: TIA Productions
Best Entertainment Programme
DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards 2020 (Mzansi Magic) – Production House: Don’t Look Down Productions & Agency
Maak My Famous – Showcase (kykNET) – Production House: All Star Entertainment
Massive Music (Channel O) – Production House: Don’t Look Down Productions & Agency
Noot vir Noot Series 45 (SABC 2) – Production House: Stemmburg Television
Yimlo (Mzansi Magic) – Production House: RS productions
Best Lifestyle Programme
Come Again (SABC 1) – Production House: Tshedza Media
Elders: Pelgrimstog van Hoop (kykNET) – Production House: Bonanza Films –
JAN (Via) – Production House: Brainwave Productions
My Vreemde Vriende (Via) – Production House: WhippetFilms
The Insider SA (SABC 3) – Production House: Cardova Productions
Best Made for TV Movie
A Christmas Chorus (MNet) – Production House: Marche Media
HOME AFFAIRS – A CHRISTMAS TALE (MNet) – Production House: Penguin Films
Loving Thokoza (Mzansi Magic) – Production House: Black Brain Pictures
Best Online Content
AFI Fashion Week 2020 (SpiceTv) – Production House: Cardova Productions
Duiwelspoort (VIA TV)- Production House: Afrokaans Film & Television
Noko Mashaba – Lockdown Shandis (Mzansi Magic) – Production House: Rams Comics
Best Achievement in Directing – Feature Film
Flatland (DSTV Box office) – Practitioner: Jenna Bass
Riding with Sugar (Netflix) – Practitioner: Sunu Gonera
Stam (DSTV Box office) – Practitioner: Louw Venter
Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – Feature Film
Seriously Single (Netflix) – Practitioner: Lwazi Mvusi
Stam (DStv BoxOffice) – Practitioner: Louw Venter
Toorbos (kykNet) – Practitioner: Rene Spies
Best Achievement in Cinematography – Feature Film
8 (Netflix) – Practitioner: David Pienaar
Griekwastad (kykNET) – Practitioner: Jozua Malherbe
Riding with Sugar (Netflix) – Practitioner: Rory O’Grady
Best Achievement in Sound Design – Feature Film
Griekwastad (kykNET) – Practitioner: Ebenhaezer Smal
Riding with Sugar (Netflix) – Practitioners: Sound & Motion Studios Sound Team
Toorbos (kykNET) – Practitioners: Michael Botha, Kyle Koekemoer, Andrew Smit, Stephen Webster & Jenna Lange
Best Achievement in Original Music/Score – Feature Film
Gat In Die Muur (Hole In The Wall) (Netflix) – Practitioner: Andries Smit
Griekwastad (kykNET) – Practitioner: Charl – Johan Lingenvelder
Toorbos (kykNET) – Practitioner: Andries Smit
Best Achievement in Editing – Feature Film
Griekwastad (kykNET) – Practitioner: Lucian Barnard
Stam (DSTV Box office) – Practitioner: Matthew Swanepoel
Toorbos (kykNET) – Practitioners: Dries Scholtz, Ronelle Loots
Best Achievement in Production Design – Feature Film
Dust (DSTV Box office) – Practitioner: Lelanie Pieters
Riding with Sugar (Netflix) – Practitioner: Kate van der Merwe
Toorbos (kykNET) – Practitioner: Weldemar Coetsee
Best Achievement in Costume Design – Feature Film
Riding with Sugar (Netflix) – Practitioner: Annie Seegers
Seriously Single (Netflix) – Practitioner: Brenda Khambule
Toorbos (kykNET) – Practitioner: Susan Dreyer
Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling – Feature Film
Seriously Single (Netflix) – Practitioners: Nonhlanhla Ndlovu, Karabo Makama\
Toorbos (kykNET) – Practitioner: Theola Booyens
Triggered (Amazon Prime, Vudu, iTunes, Google Play) – Practitioners: Menio Kalymnios, Stella Kalymnios, & Hannes Oosthuizen
Best Actress – Feature Film
Elani Dekker, Toorbos (kykNET) – Character Name: Karoliena Kapp
Inge Beckmann, Stam (DSTV Box office) – Character Name: Chantal
Tinarie Loots, Gat In Die Muur (Hole In The Wall) (Netflix) – Character Name: Ava
Best Actor – Feature Film
Andre Odendaal, Gat In Die Muur (Hole In The Wall) (Netflix) – Character Name: Riaan
Gideon Lombard Lombard, Stam (DSTV Box office) – Character Name: Dawid
Tshamano Sebe, 8 – (Netflix) – Character Name: Lazarus
Best Supporting Actress – Feature Film
Ira Blanckenberg, Toorbos (kykNET) – Production House: Character Name: Meliena Kapp
Jane De Wet, Griekwastad (kykNET) – Production House: Character Name: Marthella Steenkamp
Tarryn Wyngaard, Stam (DSTV Box office) – Character Name: Samiah
Best Supporting Actor – Feature Film
Hakeem Kae Kazim, Riding with Sugar (Netflix) – Character Name: Mambo
Justin Strydom, DUST (DSTV Box office) – Character Name: Shane
Nicholas Campbell, Gat In Die Muur (Hole In The Wall) – (Netflix) – Character Name: Ben
Best Feature Film
Griekwastad, SCENE23 (DSTV Box office)
Riding with Sugar, Helena Spring Films (Netflix)
Stam, Urucu Media (DSTV Box office)
Best TV Presenter (Public Vote Category)
Devi Sankaree Govender, The Devi Show (E.tv)
Dineo Ranaka, Yimlo (Mzansi Magic)
Entle Bizane, Hectic on 3 (SABC 3)
Palesa Tembe, Afternoon Express (SABC 3)
Katchie Nzama, Come Again (SABC 1)
Katlego Maboe, Tropika Island of Treasure Curacao (SABC 3)
Waldimar Pelser, KN Verslag in gesprek (kykNET)
Most Popular TV Soap/Telenovela (Public Vote Category)
Arendsvlei, Penguin Films (kykNET)
Binnelanders, Stark Films (kykNET)
Getroud Met Rugby, Overberg Produksies (kykNET)
Isono, Clive Morris Productions (BET Africa)
Imbewu, Grapevine Productions (E.tv)
Isibaya, The Bomb Shelter Film Company (Mzansi Magic)
Gomora, Seriti Films (Mzansi Magic)
7de Laan, Danie Odendaal Productions (SABC 2)
Skeem Saam, Peu Communication Solutions (SABC 1)
Rhythm City, Quizzical Pictures (E.tv)
Scandal! Ochre Media (E.tv)
Suidooster, Suidooster Films (kykNET)
The Queen, Ferguson Films (Mzansi Magic)
The River, Tshedza Pictures (1Magic)
Lithapo, Quizzical Pictures (SABC 2)
Durban Gen, Stained Glass Productions (E.tv)
Legacy, Tshedza Pictures (MNet)
Uzalo, Stained Glass Productions (SABC 1).