The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture have announced the nominees for the 18th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs18).
Gwydion Beynon and Phathutshedzo Makwarela’s Tshedza Pictures, has been dominating Mzansi screens, leads the pack for achievements by production houses with 29 nominations for productions such as “Outlaws” and “Gqeberha: The Empire”.
“The River” which aired its sixth and final season this February, scored 11 nominations. The telenovela's lead actress and executive producer Sindi Dlathu, has received two nominations for The River, making her a nominee across all six seasons.
Tshepo, Katleho and Rethabile Ramaphakela’s Burnt Onion Productions received 22 nominations for projects such as “Miseducation" which received 10 nominations and "Entangled” which received three.
Five of Burnt Onion’s nominations are shared with Seriti Films for the telenovela “Redemption.
Desiree Markgraaff, Angus Gibson and the late Teboho Mahlatsi’s Bomb Shelter Film Company received 20 nominations, 17 of which were for “Shaka iLembe”, including Best Actress in a TV Drama for Nomzamo Mbatha, Best Supporting Actor in a Drama for Wiseman Mncube and Senzokuhle Radebe.
Thembinkosi Mthembu who also stars in acclaimed series received four nominations; Best Actor in a Drama for both “Shaka iLembe” and “Adulting”, and then for Best Actor in a Telenovela for “Outlaws”, and then for Best Supporting Actor for “The River”
SABC 1’s top soapie “Skeem Saam” received seven nominations, BBZEE Films achieved 10 nominations for Yoh! Christmas and Hela Media received six nominations for the soap/telenovela “1802: Love Defies Time”.
Orange Films and Star Films’ “Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story” received three nominations, Rose and Oaks Media achieved two nominations for “The Masked Singer”.
Popular pageant show, “Crown Chasers” produced by Weil Entertainment’s received a nomination.
Ochre Media once again scored big with 19 nominations for productions such as “Lioness”, “Fatal Seductio”n and “Scandal!”.
The late Mpho Sebeng received two nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela and Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy.
The SAFTAs this year mark a significant milestone with the introduction of five new categories. Best Achievement in Visual Effects (VFX) - TV or Film, Best Achievement in Special Effects (SFX) in Hair and Make-Up - TV or Film, Original Song – Telenovela, Original Song – TV Drama and Original Song – Feature Film.
The public has an opportunity to engage in this year’s SAFTAs with categories Best TV Presenter and Most Popular Telenovela or Soap being open for public votes.
Voting codes will be available on all SAFTAs social media platforms and the NFVF website from September 9, with voting closing on October 21.
The SAFTA’s Craft show will be streamed live on the SAFTAs YouTube page and across social media platforms on October 25.
The main awards show will be broadcast live on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) and S3 on October 26, where the cream of the crop will be honoured.
IOL Entertainment