The month of love hit a high note today, with the official announcement of the 2020 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) nominees proudly brought to you by Brand South Africa. Hosted under the custodianship of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) the awards seek to honour and celebrate South Africa’s local film and television talent, under the theme #LoveSATalent.
Leading this year’s nominations was #SAFTAs13 winner & popular telenovela “The River”, which raked in 15 nominations across numerous categories, including Best Achievement in Directing, Scriptwriting, Original Music/Score, Editing, Sound, Cinematography, Wardrobe, Make-Up and Hairstyling and Art Directing. Actress Sindi Dlathu secured a nomination for Best Actress in the genre, while Presley Chweneyagae was nominated in the Best Actor category.
Close on its heels was the soapie “Isibaya”, Television Drama “Lockdown S4” and the feature film “Fiela se Kind” who all clinched 11 nominations each, while the drama series “The Republic” rounded things off with 10 nominations.
“The love for SA Talent is certainly in the air and I would like to congratulate all our SAFTAs14 nominees for telling authentic stories that resonate and connect with the people of South Africa. As the NFVF we couldn’t be prouder of the immense contribution that these women and men make to the local film and television industry, not forgetting the broadcasters that provide the platforms for these stories to come alive”, commented Makhosazana Khanyile, NFVF CEO
The NFVF joined forces with 205 industry experts from across the country to form a judging committee that spent over two months deliberating and rounding off the final nominees of the 70 categories, which were all then later audited by Nexia SAB&T.
“A key priority for us this year was to bring credibility back to the SAFTAs judging process. It is no secret that many production companies have voiced their frustration with our appraisal system, some going as far as to boycott the SAFTAs altogether. Having taken this feedback to heart, we’ve taken every measure possible to ensure that the judging process is fair, transparent and without bias. Today I’m proud to announce that as a result of these efforts we’ve received over 300 entries for the SAFTAs,” concluded Khanyile.
This year, the power to decide who wins the Best TV Presenter and the Most Popular Soap/Telenovela will remain with the South African audience through the use of the public vote. To vote for their favourite in these two categories, they will need to dial 12045884# and follow the prompts on their screens. One lucky voting viewer will stand a chance to win fuel to the value of R4000 a month for 12 months powered by Total SA.
“Total South Africa identifies art and culture as a national resource and contributor to the development of the economy. The SAFTA’s does not only preserve the country’s stories, but it also encourages development of the country on all frontiers, enabling people to expand their horizons and develop skills that are essential to social cohesion.”, commented Baxolile Msomi, Corporate Communications & Marketing at Total South Africa.
The codes will be advertised on SAFTAs social media pages and other media platforms and the voting lines go live in the week of 17th of February and closes on 28 March 2020.
The 14th South African Film and Television Awards will be hosted at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre over two-nights: Craft Awards on Friday, 27 March 2020 and Main Awards on Saturday, 28 March 2020 – with the Saturday show broadcast live on television.
FULL LIST NOMINEES ARE:
Best Short Film
- Die Begrafnis, Idea Candy
- Joko Ya Hao, Blanket Entertainment Pty Ltd
- The Letter Reader, The Ergo Company
Best Student Film
- Anthem, University Of Cape Town
- Moya, University of Witwatersrand
- Tidal, University of Cape Town
Best Achievement in Directing – Telenovela
- Arendsvlei, Denny Miller, Roxanne Blaise, Mandilakhe Yengo & Darryl Fuchs
- Isibaya, Yamakela Phiwokuhle Mkhanzi, Lehlogonolo Moropane & Sthembiso Mathenjwa
- Isithembiso, Zeno Petersen, Itumeleng Mohlabane & Lufuno Nekhabambe
- The River Ferry Jele, Catharine Cooke, Zolani Phakade & Johnny Barbuzano
Best Achievement in Directing – TV Soap
- Binnelanders, Danie Joubert
- Rhythm City, Eric Mogale
- Scandal!, Chris Beasley, Sanele Zulu,Tsakani Mongwe & Sphamandla Ngcobo
Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – Telenovela
- Arendsvlei, Ilse Oppelt, Roberta Durrant, Wilmien Rossouw, Ricardo Arendse, Retief Scholtz, Henry Cloete, Margaret Goldsmid, Johann Davis, Quanita Adams & Theltom Masimila
- Giyani – Land of Blood, Gwydion Beynon & Phathutshedzo Makwarela
- The Queen, Gwydion Beynon & Phathutshedzo Makwarela
- The River, Gwydion Beynon & Phathutshedzo Makwarela
Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – TV Soap
- Getroud met Rugby, Deon Opperman, Frederick Johannes Botha, Igna Botha & Monique Nortje
- Rhythm City, Zelipa Zulu
- Scandal!, Daryn Katz, Bafana Khumalo, Kelly Robinson, Mark Graham Wilson, Nonhlanhla Simelane, Omphile Molusi, Rosalind Anne Freimond, Stephen Simm,Tereska Rene Muishond, Simon Themba Mahlangu & Thomas Hall
Best Achievement In Original Music/Score – Telenovela
- Arendsvlei, Murray Anderson
- Giyani – Land of Blood, Brendan Jury
- Isibaya, Philip Miller
- The River, Brendan Jury
Best Achievement in Editing – Telenovela
- Isibaya, Nqobizwe Ndlangamandla, Sibongeleni Mabuyakhulu, Veronica Dumezweni, Tshepo Kgatsoetsoe,Motlatsi Molefe, Martin Mosala & Limpho Mothopeng
- iSipho The Gift, Hlumi Tlale, Jeanette Mokobane, Nonhlanhla Nxumalo, Susan Thabethe & Tumelo Mmatladi
- Isithembiso, Tshepo Kgatsoetsoe, Kirsten de Magalhaes, Jeremy Briers, Motlatsi Molefe, Martin Mosala, Brett Anolik, Sphiwe Nhlumayo & Llewellyn Rice
- The River, Matodzi Nemungadi, Bongi Malefo & Ula Oelsen
Best Achievement in Sound – TV Soap/Telenovela
- Binnelanders, Eric McKechnie & Barry Gillot
- Getroud met Rugby, Leon Ecroignard & Batana Sandile Dlamini
- iSipho The Gift, Janno Muller, Jonty Everton,Thapelo Makhubo & Jeanrè Greyling
- Isithembiso, Mark Phillips,Vaughan Phillips & Zikhethile Charles Sijaji
- The River, Ben Oelsen & Juli Vanden Berg
Best Achievement in Cinematography – Telenovela
- Isibaya, Ryan Lotter, Wesley Johnston & Lekau Mamabolo
- Isithembiso, Sevetian Su Ong Maslamoney & SiphoThoka
- The River, Trevor Brown
Best Achievement in Wardrobe – TV Soap/Telenovela
- Arendsvlei, Cassandra Rowland
- The River, Alice Mataboge
- The Throne, Thembelihle Buthelezi
Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling- TV Soap/Telenovela
- Imbewu, Aphilia Kunene
- Isibaya, Sheila Petlele & Sebenzile Madondo
- The River, Bongi Mlotshwa
Best Achievement in Art Direction – TV Soap/Telenovela
- Arendsvlei, Beatrix van Zyl
- Isibaya, Henrietta Moutinho
- The River, Amanda Scholtz
Best Actress-Telenovela
- Crystal Donna Roberts, Janice Cupido, Arendsvlei
- Leleti Khanyile, Nokubonga, Imbewu
- Sindi Dlathu, Lindiwe, The River
Best Actor-Telenovela
- Roberto Kyle Meyer, Leeroy Foster, Arendsvlei
- Hamilton Dhlamini, Banzi Motaung, Isithembiso
- Presley Chweneyagae, Cobra, The River
Best Supporting Actress- Telenovela
- Lerato Mvelase, Samkelo, Isibaya
- Linda Sebezo, Lillian Nyandeni, Isibaya
- Mary-Anne Barlow, Gail, The River
Best Supporting Actor-Telenovela
- Aubrey Poo, Fenyang, Isibaya
- Lawrence Maleka, Zolani, The River
- Loyiso MacDonald, Kagiso, The Queen
Best Actress-TV Soap
- Mapula Mafole, Mapula, Rhythm City
- Denise Newman, Bridgette Jacobs, Suidooster
- Baby Cele Maloka, Gabisile, Uzalo
Best Actor-TV Soap
- Nathaniel Ramabulana, Tenda Mudau, Muvhango
- Jamie Bartlett, David Genaro, Rhythm City
- Bongile Mantsai, Mthunzi Mayiza, Scandal!
Best Supporting Actress-TV Soap
- Xolile Tshabalala, Senamile Maseko, Muvhango
- Petronella Tshuma, Pearl, Rhythm City
- Kgomotso Christopher, Yvonne Langa, Scandal!
Best Supporting Actor-TV Soap
- Ben Kruger, Okkie Ferreira, Binnelanders
- Mncedisi Shabangu, Khulekani Ngobese, Rhythm City
- Ivan Abrahams, Pastor Ronald, Suidooster
Best TV Soap
- Rhythm City, Quizzical Pictures
- Scandal!, Ochre Moving Pictures
- Suidooster, Suidooster Films
Best Telenovela
- Arendsvlei, Penguin & Paw Paw Films
- Isibaya, The Bomb Shelter
- The River, Tshedza Pictures CC
Best Achievement in Directing -TV Drama
- Dwaalster, Jaco Bouwer
- Lockdown Season 4, Mandla Ngcongwane
- The Republic, Johnny Barbuzano & Rea Rangaka
Best Achievement in Scriptwriting -TV Drama
- Lockdown Season 4, Byron Abrahams, Merendran Reddy, Dominique Masson,Tiffany Barbuzano, Lwazi Mvusi, Tsepo Desando & Mandla Ngcongwane
- The Girl From St Agnes, Gillian Breslin,Sean Steinberg & Zoe Laband
- The Republic, Phathutshedzo Makwarela & Gwydion Beynon
Best Achievement in Editing – TV Drama
- eHostela, Johnny Nkgapele
- Spreeus, Leon Visser
- The Republic, Ula Oelsen & Kabi Modiko
Best Achievement in Sound – TV Drama
- Alles Malan, Daniel Eppel & Alex Smillie
- Dwaalster, Tim Pringle
- Spreeus, Tim Pringle
- The Republic, Ben Oelsen & Juli Vanden Berg
Best Achievement in Original Music/Score-TV Drama
- Alles Malan, David de Jager & Herman Kleinhans
- Lockdown Season 4, Kurt Slabbert, Jamela Vuma & Mandla Ngcongwane
- Spreeus, Pierre-Henri Wicomb
- The Girl From St Agnes, Brendan Jury
Best Achievement in Art Direction – TV Drama
- Lockdown Season 4, Luarnae Roos
- Shadow, Christelle van Graan
- The Docket, Nazo Maloyi, Richard Rehbock & Ilze van den Berg
Best Achievement in Wardrobe – TV Drama
- Ifalakhe, Monique Lamprecht & Nerine Pienaar
- Lockdown Season 4, Gesillah McLoed
- The Docket, Mncedisi Mbombo
- The Herd 2, Phindile Mlambo & Trudi Mantzios
Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling – TV Drama
- Alles Malan, Mary-Sue Morris
- Ifalakhe, Ronwyn Jarrett
- The Herd 2, Keitumetsi Sefotlhelo
Best Achievement in Cinematography – TV Drama
- Lockdown Season 4, Gaopie Kabe
- Spreeus, Jorrie van der Walt
- The Republic, Ntobeko Dlamini
Best Actress-TV Drama
- Dawn King, MaZet, Lockdown Season 4
- Zola Nombona, Monde, Lockdown Season 4
- Florence Masebe, Lufuno, The Republic
Best Actor -TV Drama
- Wiseman Mncube, Jama, eHostela
- Robert Hobbs, Gary, The Girl From St Agnes
- Warren Masemola, Thabang, The Republic
Best Supporting Actress – TV Drama
- Brenda Ngxoli, Nomonde, iThemba
- Lorcia Cooper, Tyson, Lockdown Season 4
- Pamela Nomvete, Deborah, Lockdown Season 4
Best Supporting Actor -TV Drama
- Deon Lotz, Albertus “Smiley” Kriel, Die Byl 2
- Hlomla Dandala, Vice President, The Republic
- Seputla Sebogodi, Moses, The Republic
Best TV Drama
- Lockdown Season 4, Black Brain Pictures
- Spreeus, Marche Media
- The Republic, Tshedza Pictures CC
Best Achievement in Directing – Documentary Feature
- Buddha in Africa, Nicole Schafer
- Dying for Gold, Catherine Meyburgh & Richard Pakleppa
- The Fun’s Not Over – The James Phillips Story, Michael Cross
Best Achievement in Cinematography – Documentary
- Buddha in Africa, Nicole Schafer
- Dying for Gold, Richard Pakleppa
- The Sound of Masks, Sara Cristina Ferreira de Gouveia
- Womanhood, Deon van Zyl
Best Achievement in Editing – Documentary
- Dying for Gold, Catherine Meyburgh
- The Fun’s Not Over – The James Phillips Story, Michael Cross
- The Sound of Masks, Khalid Shamis
- Womanhood, Daniel Mitchell
Best Achievement in Sound – Documentary Feature
- 20 Years of Loxion Kulca, Neo Rathebe
- A Fool’s Paradise, Sibusiso Zulu
- Dying for Gold, Catherine Meyburgh, Guy Steer & Mapula Lehong
- Huisgenoot: Ware Lewensdramas, Mark Saunders
Best Documentary Feature
- Buddha in Africa, Thinking Strings Media
- Dying for Gold, Breathe Films
- Sound of Masks, Lionfish Productions
- The Fun’s Not Over – The James Phillips Story, Rogue Productions
Best Natural History and Environmental Programme
- Cave Crocs of Gabon, Earth Touch
- Okavango River of Dreams Chapter 1 Paradise, Wildlife Films
- STROOP – journey into the rhino horn war, Scott & de Bod Films
Best Children’s Programme
- Disney Cookabout, Penguin & Paw Paw Films
- Hectic on 3, Okuhle Media
- Jabu’s Jungle, Pixcomm
- Words and Numbers Series 9, Johan Stemmet Entertainment Enterprises
Best Competition Reality Show
- Kokkedoor, Homebrew Films
- Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search 2019, Barleader TV
- Ultimate Braai Master, Okuhle Media
- Ultimate House Vibe, Burnt Onion Productions
Best Structured or Docu-reality Show
- Durban Beach Rescue season 2, Ruby Rocket Media
- Living The Dream With Somizi Season 4, Barleader TV
- The Big Secret Season 2, Weldun Media (Pty) Ltd
Best International Format Show
- Celebrity Game Night S1, Rapid Blue
- Survivor SA: Island of Secrets, Afrokaans Film & Television
- YO! MTV RAPS (SA): Season 1, The Visual Content Gang
Best Factual & Educational Programme
- Made in Africa: The Ties That Bind Us, Full Circle Productions
- Op Seer Se Spoor – Episode 3 “Netta”, Gambit Films
- Yobe S2, Nalumi Pictures
Best Current Affairs Programme
- Carte Blanche HD, TX 14 JULY 2019, Combined Artists
- Dying for Diamonds, eNCA Checkpoint
- Work Hazards, eNCA Checkpoint
Best Variety Show
- Die Ware Naarheid, Nouvanaand Films
- Gospel Classics, ATTV
- Mooi, Afrokaans Film & Television
Best Youth Programme
- MTV Shuga Down South 2, Quizzical Pictures (Pty) Ltd
- MTV Shuga Down South 2 – In Real Life, TIA Productions
- Teenagers on a mission – Game Ranging, I Love That Productions
Best Entertainment Programme
- Emo 30 Jaar In Musiek, All Star Productions
- Live Amp, Urban Brew Studios
- Noot vir Noot S44, Stemmburg Television
Best Lifestyle Programme
- Dit Proe Soos Huis, Afrokaans Film & Television
- Elders: Japan, Bonanza Films
- Klankbord Season 1, Whippet Films
Best Made for TV Movie
- Droomman, Deon Opperman Produksies
- Stillenag, Deon Opperman Produksies
- TIRO, EXIT MEDIA
Best Achievement in Directing – Feature Film
- Fiela se Kind Brett, Michael Innes
- Knuckle City, Jahmil X.T. Qubeka
- Poppie Nongena, Christiaan Olwagen
Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – Feature Film
- Fiela se Kind, Brett Michael Innes
- Knuckle City, Jahmil X.T. Qubeka
- Poppie Nongena, Christiaan Olwagen & Susara Botha
Best Achievement in Cinematography – Feature Film
- Die Verhaal van Racheltjie de Beer, Willie Nel
- Fiela se Kind, Thomas Ignatius Marais
- Knuckle City, Willie Nel
- Poppie Nongena, VictoriaTurpin
- Skemerson (Sun, Cry, Moon), William Collinson
Best Achievement in Sound Design – Feature Film
- Ander Mens, Tim Pringle
- Die Verhaal van Racheltjie de Beer, Jan Petrak
- Fiela se Kind, Charlotte Buys
- Knuckle City, Guy Steer
- Skemerson (Sun, Cry, Moon), Paul Vermaak
Best Achievement in Original Music/Score – Feature Film
- 3 Days To Go, Benjamin Willem
- Back of the Moon, Philip Miller
- Die Verhaal van Racheltjie de Beer, Chris Letcher
- Fiela se Kind, Kyle Shepherd
- Skemerson (Sun, Cry, Moon), Richard Lätti
Best Achievement in Editing – Feature Film
- Back of the Moon, Sibongeleni Mabuyakhulu & Megan Gill
- Cut-Out Girls, Brett Rayner
- Die Verhaal van Racheltjie de Beer, Warwick Allan
- Fiela se Kind, Cornelius Abraham Van Aswegen
- Knuckle City, Layla Swart
Best Achievement in Production Design – Feature Film
- Back of the Moon, Dylan Lloyd
- Die Verhaal van Racheltjie de Beer, Chantel Carter
- Fiela se Kind, Chantel Carter
- Knuckle City, TK Khampepe & Justice Nhlapo
Best Achievement in Costume Design – Feature Film
- An Act Of Defiance, Susan Alet Dreyer
- Back of the Moon, Trudi Mantzios
- Poppie Nongena, Sylvia van Heerden
- Zulu Wedding, Shirley Masondo
Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling – Feature Film
- An Act Of Defiance, Julia Rubinstein
- Fiela se Kind, Maritsa Maritz
- Knuckle City, Carol Babalwa Mtshiselwa
- Poppie Nongena, Gale Shepherd
- Zulu Wedding, Bongi Mlotshwa
Best Actress – Feature Film
- Sandra Prinsloo, Irene, Die Seemeeu
- Zenobia Kloppers, Fiela Komoetie, Fiela se Kind
- Clementine Zitha, Poppie Nongena, Poppie Nongena
Best Actor – Feature Film
- Albert Bakker Pretorius, Konstant, Die Seemeeu
- Johannes Stephanus Bam, Herman de Beer, Die Verhaal van Racheltjie de Beer
- Bongile Mantsai, Dudu Nyakama, Knuckle City
Best Supporting Actress – Feature Film
- Cintaine Schutte, Masha, Die Seemeeu
- Anna Martha van der Merwe, Antoinette Swanepoel, Poppie Nongena
- Elize Dunster, Lidie, Skemerson (Sun, Cry, Moon)
Best Supporting Actor – Feature Film
- Wayne van Rooyen, Selling Komoetie, Fiela se Kind
- Patrick Ndlovu, Bra Pat, Knuckle City
- Thembekile Komani, Duke Nyakama, Knuckle City
Best Feature Film
- Die Verhaal van Racheltjie de Beer, Brittle Star Entertainment (Pty) Ltd
- Fiela se Kind, Nostalgia Productions
- Poppie Nongena, Poppie Productions
Best TV Presenter
- Thembisa Mdoda, 2 Families and A Wedding Dress, (1)
- Anele Mdoda, Celebrity Game Night S1, (2)
- Graeme Richards, Expresso Morning Show, (3)
- Entle Bizane, Hectic on 3, (4)
- Waldimar Pelser, KN Verslag in gesprek, (5)
- Sthembiso Dliwayo, Mi Kasi Su Kasi, (6)
- Emo Adams, Noot vir Noot S44, (7)
- Masechaba Ndlovu, The Big Secret Season 2, (8)
- Christopher Jaftha, The Longest Date, (9)
To vote for Best TV Presenter use codes in (brackets)
Most Popular TV Soap/Telenovela
- Arendsvlei, Penguin & Paw Paw Films, (1)
- Binnelanders, Stark Films, (2)
- Getroud Met Rugby, Overberg Produksies, (3)
- Giyani – Land of Blood, Tshedza Pictures CC, (4)
- Imbewu, Grapevine Productions (Pty) Ltd, (5)
- Isibaya, The Bomb Shelter, (6)
- iSipho The Gift, Herbvision Multimedia, (7)
- Isithembiso, The Bomb Shelter, (8)
- Muvhango, Word of Mouth Pictures, (9)
- Rhythm City, Quizzical Pictures (Pty) Ltd, (10)
- Scandal!, Ochre Moving Pictures, (11)
- Suidooster, Suidooster Films, (12)
- The River, Tshedza Pictures CC, (13)
- The Throne, Ferguson Films, (14)
- The Queen, Ferguson Films, (15)
- Uzalo, Stained Glass Productions, (16)
For Most Popular TV Soap/ Telenovela use codes in (brackets)