Nominees announced for National Film & TV Awards South Africa – The National Film & TV Awards South Africa (NFTA) today announced the full list of nominees for the 2025 edition of the prestigious awards, alongside the names of industry legends who will receive honorary recognition for their lifetime contributions to film and television. With over 1.9 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 27-year history, the National Film Academy is one of the world’s largest film and TV organizations, 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 three years ago, introducing the flagship National Film & TV Awards. The 3rd annual South African edition of the NFTA is set to take place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at the South African State Theatre, celebrating the best in film and television while paying homage to the pioneers who shaped the industry.
This year’s event is powered by headline sponsors Mentos, Dechavel Watches, MondayRepublic.com and Tempest Car Hire, alongside key partners Kryolan South Africa (Official cosmetics partner) , Château Gâteaux, Native Child, George & Manana Wines, Lola Lee Beauty, and Rekorderlig Cider.
Honouring South African icons
The National Film & TV Awards will recognise Dr John Kani with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contribution to cinema and theatre. In addition, Leon Schuster, Alfred Ntombela, and Dr Jerry Mofokeng Makhetha will each receive the Outstanding Contribution to Film and TV Award, celebrating their immense cultural impact across generations.
“As we move into the third year of the National Film & TV Awards, we are excited to ensure that the Academy celebrates icons who have paved the way. As well as a shortlist of fantastic nominees, we are pleased to announce that our homegrown icons will be honoured and celebrated globally for their achievements, which laid the foundation for the thriving film and television industry we are witnessing in South Africa today.” ~ Kabelo (Head of Partnerships, National Film & TV Awards South Africa)
Esteemed past recipients of its Lifetime Achievement Honours include Rowan Atkinson, Samuel L. Jackson, Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Nicholas Lyndhurst, Sir David Jason, Ricky Gervais, Larry King, Tom Cruise, Sylvia Young, and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
The remit of the Academy remains steadfast to ensure that legends and cultural pioneers are celebrated in a way that inspires the next generation and keeps legacy at the forefront of the film and television industry with the primary aim being to bring the South Africa film and television industry to global audiences gaining a new fanbase worldwide.
“It is very important to honour the legends of the South African film and television industry, and that is exactly what the National Film & TV Awards and the academy represent. While we celebrate iconic figures who have paved the way, this year’s nominees showcase the next generation of exceptional talent. From actors, actresses, producers, and storytellers who are redefining creativity and pushing boundaries in film and television.
The primary goal of the National Film & TV Awards has always been to create a powerful gateway for South African talent to reach global audiences. Whether it’s local films streaming internationally or homegrown stars making their mark on the world stage, our mission is to spotlight South Africa’s creative excellence, nurture opportunity, and inspire the industry to think beyond borders.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals whose body of work has made a profound and enduring contribution to film and television, inspired generations, and advanced the craft within South Africa and beyond.” ~ Sara Kensington (Global Partnerships Manager at the National Film Academy)
The 3rd annual National Film Awards will be streamed live to millions of viewers on VooVix TV on the 22nd of November 2025
The 3rd annual National Film & TV Awards 2025 – Official Nominations Full List
Best Actress In a Film 2025 (sponsored by Kryolan South Africa)
Ayanda Borotho – Meet The Khumalos
Lunathi Mampofu – Disaster Holiday
Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku – Umjolo: My Beginnings, My End!
Sibusisiwe Jili – Umjolo: Day Ones
Sibongiseni Shezi – Umjolo: The Gone Girl
Nozuko Ncayiyane – M’tase Khaya
Anel Alexander – Semi-Soeter
Gretchen Ramsden – Carissa
Khanyi Mbau – Meet The Khumalos
Best Actor In a Film 2025 (sponsored by VooVix TV)
Kenneth Nkosi – Disaster Holiday
Tyson Mathonsi – Umjolo: The Gone Girl
Nico Panagio – Semi-Soeter
Craig Nobela – Kites
Christopher Jaftha – Khaki Fever
Yonda Thomas – Umjolo: My Beginning, My End
Keenan Harrison – Heart Is A Muscle
Best Actress In a TV Series 2025 (sponsored by Kryolan South Africa)
Gail Mabalane – Unseen (Season 2)
Lerato Mvelase – Marked (Season 1)
Samkelo Ndlovu – Adulting (Season 3)
Zenande Mfenyana – Inimba (Season 1)
Kgomotso Christopher – Fatal Seduction (Season 2)
Connie Ferguson – Kings Of Joburg (Season 3)
Amalia Uys – Tuiskoms (Season 1)
Nelisiwe Faith Sibiya – Ithonga (Season 1)
Best Actor In a TV Series 2025 (sponsored by Château Gâteaux)
Zamani Mbatha – Black Gold (Season 1)
Lemogang Tsipa – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Thembinkosi Mthembu – Adulting (Season 3)
Bonko Khoza – Ithonga (Season 1)
Sphamandla Dhludhlu – Marked (Season 1)
Clint Brink – Kings Of Joburg (Season 3)
Nhlanhla Kunene – Adulting (Season 3)
Best Supporting Actor In a Film 2025
Bonga Dlamini – Meet The Khumalos
Siyabonga Shibe – Meet The Khumalos
Liam Bossman – Khaki Fever
Dean Marias – The Heart Is A Muscle
Dirk Stoltz – Adam
Francois Jacobs – Khaki Fever
Rob van Vuuren – Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight
Best Supporting Actress In a Film 2025 (sponsored by Native Child)
Nandipha Khubone – Meet The Khumalos
Anoecha Krüger – Hen
Sandra Vaughn – Semi-Soeter
Tina Jaxa – Disaster Holiday
Loren Loubser – The Heart Is A Muscle
Rosemary Zimu – Soft Love
Wilhelmina Hesselman – Carissa
Best Supporting Actor In a TV Series 2025
Ernest Ndlovu – Empini (Season 2)
Wiseman Mncube – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Abdul Khoza – Kings Of Joburg (Season 3)
Brendon Daniels – Unseen (Season 2)
Mduduzi Mabaso – Marked (Season 1)
Francois Lensley – Binnelanders (Season 21)
Eden Classens – Suidooster (Season 11)
Thembinkosi Mthembu – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Sphamandla Dhludhlu – Marked (Season 1)
Best Supporting Actress In a TV Series 2025 (sponsored by Lola Lee Beauty)
Samkelo Ndlovu – Adulting (Season 3)
Natasha Thahane – Marked (Season 1)
Angela Sithole – Empini (Season 2)
Gaisang Noge – House Of Zwide (Season 5)
Dawn Thandeka King – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Amahle Khumalo – Empini (Season 2)
Dineo Langa – Unseen (Season 2)
Ngele Ramulondi – Fatal Seduction (Season 2)
Amanda Seome – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Best Newcomer 2025 (sponsored by MondayRepublic.com)
Janru Steenkamp – Niggies
Aphiwe Mkefe – Kites
Luyanda Zuma – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Alizwa Sikhafungana – Meet The Khumalos
Yeya Ralarala – Disaster Holiday
Thandolwethu Zondi – GO! (Season 1)
Lebohang Lephatsoana – Youngins (Season 2)
Amogelang Telekelo – Youngins (Season 2)
Best Scripted TV Series 2025 (sponsored by Dechavel Watches)
Marked (Netflix, Season 1)
Adulting (Showmax, Season 3)
Kings Of Joburg (Netflix, Season 3)
Black Gold (BET Africa, Season 1)
Ithonga (Mzansi Magic, Season 1)
GO! (Netflix, Season 1)
Shaka iLembe (Mzansi Magic, Season 2)
Youngins (Showmax, Season 2)
Unseen (Netflix, Season 2)
Fatal Seduction (Netflix, Season 1)
Empini (Showmax, Season 2)
Best Male TV Personality 2025
Lawrence Maleka – Friends Of Amstel
Katlego Maboe – Deal Or No Deal
Smash Afrika – Big Brother Mzansi
Graeme Richards – Expresso Morning Show ( SABC3)
Lasizwe Dambuza – Awkward Dates
Xolani Maphanga – X-Repo
Musa Mseleku – Uthando Nes’Thembu (Showmax)
Best Female TV Personality 2025 (sponsored by Rekorderlig Cider)
Carissa Cupido – Expresso Morning Show (SABC3)
Minnie Dlamini – Love Never Lies South Africa
Hope Mbhele – Versus (SuperSport)
Zari Hassan – Young, Famous & African (Netflix)
Londie London – The Real Housewives of Durban
Sorisha Naidoo – The Real Housewives of Durban
Ayanda G Thabethe – Afternoon Express
Abigail Visagie – eNCA News Night
Best TV Presenter 2025 (sponsored by Dechavel Watches)
Lawrence Maleka – Friends Of Amstel
Graeme Richards – Expresso Morning Show (Season 3, SABC3)
Minnie Dlamini – Love Never Lies
Devi Govender – The Devi Show
Leanne Manas – Morning Live
Katlego Maboe – Deal Or No Deal
Zanele Potelwa – HotspotSeli
Palesa Tembe – Afternoon Express
Best Comedian 2025
Eugene Khoza
Loyiso Gola
Mpho Pops
Tsitsi Chiumya
Tumi Morake
Riaad Moosa
Skhumba Hlophe
Robby Collins
Khanyisa JamJam
Celeste Ntuli
Conrad Koch
Best Competition Show 2025
Love Never Lies: South Africa
Celebrity MasterChef South Africa
Big Brother Mzansi (Season 5)
Ready, Steady, Cook
Friends Of Amstel: The Challenge
Die Brug
Deal Or No Deal
Ultimate Braai Master (Season 9)
Tropical Island Of Treasure (Season 11)
Best Entertainment Show 2025
Young, Famous & African (Season 3)
Big Brother Mzansi (Season 5)
Dating #NoFilter South Africa (Season 2)
Married At First Sight (Season 2)
Culinary Hotline Expresso
Carte Blanche
The Mommy Club (Season 3)
Real Housewives Of Durban (Season 5)
Boer Soek ’n Vrou (Season 17)
Afternoon Express
Best Documentary 2025
M.A.D Stories
Beauty And The Bester
Tiek Tok Boem!
Free At Last: The Secrets Of Apartheid
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey
Fitting In
Capturing Water
Womxn: Working
6 Kings and 6 Queens
Albie: A Strange Alchemy
Dark Side of Glory (Showmax)
Outstanding Performance 2025 (sponsored by Mentos)
Lerato Mvelase – Marked (Season 1)
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi – Empini (Season 2)
Wiseman Mncube – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Zolisa Xaluva – Kings Of Joburg (Season 3)
Zamani Mbatha – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Khabonina Qubeka – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Calvin Ratladi – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Thembinkosi Mthembu – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Lemogang Tsipa – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Nhlanhla Kunene – Adulting (Season 3)
Best Feature Film 2025
Semi-Soeter
Meet The Khumalos
Hen
The Heart Is A Muscle
Umjolo: My Beginning, My End!
Carissa
Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight
Kites
Disaster Holiday
Khaki Fever
Adam
Best Director 2025
Rethabile Ramaphakela – Disaster Holiday
Jayan Moodley – Meet The Khumalos
Catharine Cooke – Semi-Soeter
Mmabatho Kau – Adulting Mandlakayise
Walter Dube – Shaka iLembe
Matshepo Maja – Marked
Thembalethu Mfebe – Youngins (Season 3)
Menzi Mzimela – Kites
Angus Gibson – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Eric Mogale – Empini (Season 2)
Nico Scheepers – Kites
Fikile Mogodi – Umjolo: The Gone Girl
Celebrity Personality of the Year 2025 (sponsored by George & Manana Wines)
Lasizwe Dambuza
Lawrence Maleka
Katlego Maboe
Minnie Dlamini
Anele Mdoda
The Funny Chef
Nadia Nakai
Khanyi Mbau
Ayanda G Thabethe
Best Production Company 2025 (sponsored by Tempest Car Hire)
Quizzical Pictures
MultiChoice Studios
Gambit Films
Ochre Moving Pictures
Stained Glass
afrOkaans
The Bomb Productions
Rous House International
Burnt Onion Productions
Tshedza Pictures
Best Television / Streaming Network 2025
Netflix
Showmax
SABC+
M-Net
BET Africa
VooVix TV
Mzansi Magic
kykNET
EVOD
Bravo TV
eTV
Prime Video Africa
Best Non-Scripted TV Series 2025
Uyajola 9/9
The Mommy Club
Makoti, Are You The One?
Young, Famous & African
The Ultimatum: South Africa
Big Brother Mzansi
The Catch
Uthando Nes’Thembu
Izingane Zes’Thembu
X-Repo
Best TV Drama Series 2025
Skeem Saam
Binnelanders
Generations
Genesis
Muvhango
House Of Zwide
Scandal!
Umkhokha: The Curse
Queen Modjadji
Inimba
Amalanga Awafani
Uzalo
Best Podcast 2025
Ideas That Matter – Vusi Thembekwayo
Podcast & Chill – Mac G
Choppin’ It With Bhuda T
L-Tido Podcast – L-Tido
Open Chats Podcast
Killer Audiocreations: True Crime South Africa – Nicole Engelbrecht
The Money Show – Stephen Grootes
Against The Wall – Skeem GP
The Penuel Show – Penuel Mlotshwa
The Tswyza Show
Best Afrikaans TV Series 2025
Binnelanders
Diepe Waters
Die Byl
Wyfie
Reënboogrant
Skemergrond
Plaas van Passie
Die Nuusmakers
Tuiskoms
Niggies
Spooksoeker
Best Current News Program 2025
The Morning Show SA – Carla Mackenzie
CheckPoint – Nkepile Mabuse
Soccerzone – Andile Ncube
Expresso Show – Graeme Richards, Carissa Cupido, Ryle, Zanele, Ewan, Carl
Africa Rising (Channel Africa) – Peter Ndoro
The Devi Show – Devi Sankaree Govender
eNCA News Night – Abigail Visagie
Best African International Film 2025
Shaka iLembe – Mzansi Magic (South Africa)
Meet The Khumalos – Netflix (South Africa)
Semi-Soeter – Netflix (South Africa)
The Serpent’s Gift – Nigeria
Lubunyu – South Africa
Hen – South Africa
Carissa – South Africa
The Voice of Hind Rajab – Tunisia
Enzo – Morocco
Voting details
Public voting opens on 13 October 2025 at 13:00 and closes 20 November 2025 at 12:00 exclusively via www.nationalfilmacademy.com. Winners will be announced live at the National Film & TV Awards ceremony at the South African State Theatre.
