The National Film & TV Awards South Africa (NFTA 2025) have officially announced this year’s nominees, setting the stage for one of the country’s biggest entertainment events.
Now in its third year, the awards will take place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at the South African State Theatre, celebrating excellence across South Africa’s film and television industries.
According to the National Film Academy, which oversees the awards, more than 1.9 million public submissions were received this year — a new record that highlights the growing popularity of the event among local audiences.
The NFTA is part of a global network of awards run by the National Film Academy, an organisation with a 27-year history and over 7.5 million members worldwide.
The Academy also produces major international ceremonies like the National Film Awards UK, the National Film & TV Awards USA, and the National Reality Television Awards.
Since expanding into South Africa in 2023, the NFTA has become a platform that connects local talent to international audiences, giving filmmakers, actors, and producers the opportunity to be recognised on a global stage.
This year’s theme, organisers say, is about celebrating both legacy and innovation. The event will not only honour current nominees but also pay tribute to the legends who built South Africa’s entertainment industry.
Among those receiving special recognition is Dr John Kani, who will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long contribution to film and theatre.
Industry veterans Leon Schuster, Alfred Ntombela, and Dr Jerry Mofokeng Makhetha will also receive Outstanding Contribution to Film and TV Awards for their cultural impact.
“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,” said Kabelo, Head of Partnerships for NFTA South Africa. “Our homegrown stars deserve to be recognised globally for the work that laid the foundation for the thriving industry we have today.”
This year’s nominations span film, TV, comedy, documentaries, and digital content, reflecting the diversity and creative energy of South Africa’s entertainment scene.
Popular shows like Shaka iLembe, Adulting, Kings of Joburg, and Unseen dominate the television categories, while films such as Semi-Soeter, Meet the Khumalos, Disaster Holiday, and Kites lead the cinematic race.
“It is very important to honour the legends of South African film and television while also spotlighting the next generation,” said Sara Kensington, Global Partnerships Manager at the National Film Academy. “From actors and producers to storytellers, the nominees this year represent a wave of creativity pushing boundaries and redefining how South African stories are told.”
Public voting for the NFTA 2025 opened on Monday, 13 October 2025, at 13:00 (SAST) via the official website, and closes on 20 November 2025 at 12:00 (SAST).
Winners will be announced during the live ceremony, which will be streamed globally on VooVix TV.
Full list of nominees — NFTA 2025
Best Actor
- S’dumo Mtshali (Adulting)
- Senzo Radebe (Shaka iLembe)
- Thapelo Mokoena (Heart of the Hunter)
- Bonko Khoza (13 Weeks to Find Mr Right)
- Themba Ndaba (The Queen)
- Vuyo Dabula (Kings of Joburg)
- Prince Grootboom (Outlaws)
- Gopola Lesejane (Tjovitjo)
Best Actress
- Khanyi Mbau (The Wife)
- Kgomotso Christopher (Legacy)
- Nthati Moshesh (Savage Beauty)
- Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa (Blood Psalms)
- Zola Nombona (Generations: The Legacy)
- Thuso Mbedu (The Underground Railroad)
- Natasha Thahane (Blood & Water)
- Gail Mabalane (Unseen)
Best TV Drama Series
- Shaka iLembe (Bomb Productions)
- Kings of Joburg (Ferguson Films)
- Outlaws (Tshedza Pictures)
- The River (Tshedza Pictures)
- Blood Psalms (Yellowbone Entertainment)
- The Wife (Showmax)
- Unseen (Netflix)
- Legacy (Tshedza Pictures)
Best Feature Film
- Meet the Khumalos
- Semi-Soet
- Kites
- Disaster Holiday
- Frankie & Felipé
- The Honeymoon
- The Color of Blood
- The Woman King
Best Director
- Amanda Lane (Shaka iLembe)
- Mandla N (The Wife)
- Kagiso Lediga (Queen Sono)
- Jozua Malherbe (Outlaws)
- Nosipho Dumisa (Blood & Water)
- John Barker (Frankie & Felipé)
- Akin Omotoso (Rise)
- Tracy-Lee Stark (Meet the Khumalos)
Best Comedian
- Skhumba Hlophe
- Celeste Ntuli
- Tumi Morake
- Mpho Popps
- Trevor Noah
- Loyiso Gola
- Nina Hastie
- Chris Mapane
Best Male Personality
- Somizi Mhlongo
- Katlego Maboe
- Moshe Ndiki
- Maps Maponyane
- Minnie Dlamini
- Lawrence Maleka
- Anele Mdoda
- Thando Thabethe
Best Female Personality
- Bonang Matheba
- Boity Thulo
- Pearl Thusi
- Thembi Seete
- Lerato Kganyago
- Connie Ferguson
- Makhadzi
- Nandi Madida
Best Reality TV Show
- Young, Famous & African (Netflix)
- Living the Dream with Somizi (M-Net)
- Kwa Mam’Mkhize (Mzansi Magic)
- Love & Hip Hop SA (MTV Base)
- Becoming Mrs Jones (Showmax)
- Pastor Wants a Wife (1Magic)
- The Mommy Club (Showmax)
- My Perfect Wedding SA (Mzansi Magic)
Best TV Presenter
- Katlego Maboe
- Pabi Moloi
- Ayanda Thabethe
- Thembisa Mdoda
- Thomas Mlambo
- Thando Thabethe
- Minnie Dlamini
- Lawrence Maleka
Best Breakthrough Performance
- Thando Thabethe (How to Ruin Christmas)
- Bontle Modiselle (Jiva!)
- Kwenzo Ngcobo (Shaka iLembe)
- Nefisa Mkhabela (House of Zwide)
- Luyanda Zwane (Outlaws)
- Ama Qamata (Blood & Water)
- Lunathi Mampofu (The River)
- Paballo Mavundla (Gomora)
Best Documentary
- Murder in Paris
- Devil’s Dorp
- Uncaptured
- The Rikhado Makhado Story
- Lobola: A Bride’s True Price?
- I Am All Girls
- Winnie
- Dying for Gold
Best Digital Content Creator
- Lasizwe Dambuza
- Robot Boii
- Mihlali Ndamase
- Sibu Mpanza
- Nadia Jaftha
- Cyan Boujee
- Rea Gopane
- Kay Yarms
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Dr John Kani
Outstanding Contribution to Film & TV Awards
- Leon Schuster
- Alfred Ntombela
- Dr Jerry Mofokeng Makhetha