The National Film & TV Awards South Africa (NFTA) Announces The Winners
The legendary Dr John Kani was awarded the NFTA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 in the most emotional and defining moment of the night. A titan of theatre, film, and global storytelling, Dr Kani received a standing ovation as he delivered one of the most powerful acceptance speeches ever heard on an NFTA stage.
Kani calls the moment “one of the greatest honours of my life”.
“I thank the National Film and TV Awards for recognising this journey and dedicating this award to me as a reminder that every young actor rising in our nation carries the potential to change the world. May this inspire all who are on their way up to keep going, keep creating, and keep believing.”
The awards also celebrated four other giants of South African film and television who received Outstanding Contribution to Film & TV Awards: Leon Schuster, Alfred Ntombela, Sello Maake KaNcube, and Dr Jerry Mofokeng, each honoured for their decades of influence, cultural impact, and unwavering dedication to the craft.
Sara Kensington, Global Partnerships Manager at the National Film Academy, added:
“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 3rd annual National Film & TV Awards 2025 – Official Winners Full List:
Best Actress In a Film 2025 (sponsored by Kryolan South Africa)
- Anel Alexander – Semi-Soeter
Best Actor In a Film 2025 (sponsored by VooVix TV)
- Keenan Harrison – Heart Is A Muscle
Best Actress In a TV Series 2025 (sponsored by Kryolan South Africa)
- Zenande Mfenyana – Inimba (Season 1)
Best Actor In a TV Series 2025 (sponsored by Château Gâteaux)
- Clint Brink – Kings Of Joburg (Season 3)
Best Supporting Actor In a Film 2025
- Francois Jacobs – Khaki Fever
Best Supporting Actress In a Film 2025 (sponsored by Native Child)
- Loren Loubser – The Heart Is A Muscle
Best Supporting Actor In a TV Series 2025
- Sphamandla Dhludhlu – Marked (Season 1)
Best Supporting Actress In a TV Series 2025 (sponsored by Lola Lee Beauty)
- Angela Sithole – Empini (Season 2)
Best Newcomer 2025 (sponsored by MondayRepublic.com)
- Thandolwethu Zondi – GO! (Season 1)
Best Scripted TV Series 2025 (sponsored by Dechavel Watches)
- Shaka iLembe (Mzansi Magic, Season 2)
Best Male TV Personality 2025
- Sweet Guluva
Best Female TV Personality 2025 (sponsored by Rekorderlig Cider)
- Londie London – The Real Housewives of Durban
Best TV Presenter 2025 (sponsored by Dechavel Watches)
- Devi Govender – The Devi Show
Best Comedian 2025
- Celeste Ntuli
Best Competition Show 2025
- Big Brother Mzansi (Season 5)
Best Entertainment Show 2025
- Real Housewives Of Durban (Season 5)
Best Documentary 2025
- Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey
Outstanding Performance 2025 (sponsored by Mentos)
- Wiseman Mncube – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Best Feature Film 2025
- The Heart Is A Muscle
Best Director 2025
- Angus Gibson – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Best Producer 2025 (sponsored by Tempest Car Hire)
- Desiree Markgraaff & Nomzamo Mbatha – Shaka iLembe
Celebrity Personality of the Year 2025 (sponsored by George & Manana Wines)
- Lawrence Maleka
Best Production Company 2025 (sponsored by Tempest Car Hire)
- Quizzical Pictures
Best Television / Streaming Network 2025
- Showmax
Best Non-Scripted TV Series 2025
- Young, Famous & African
Best TV Drama Series 2025
- Skeem Saam
Best Podcast 2025
- Open Chats Podcast
Best Afrikaans TV Series 2025
- Binnelanders
Best Current News Program 2025
- Expresso Show – Graeme Richards, Carissa Cupido, Ryle, Zanele, Ewan, Carl
Best African International Film 2025
- Meet The Khumalos – Netflix (South Africa)
Winners were announced live at the National Film & TV Awards ceremony held at the South African State Theatre on Saturday, 22 November 2025.
This year’s National Film & TV Awards were proudly supported by an exceptional roster of sponsors whose partnership elevated the ceremony to world-class standards: Kryolan South Africa, The African Penguin Guesthouse & Conference Centre, MondayRepublic.com, Dechavel Watches, Rekorderlig Cider, Cape Brewing Company, 0861 Africa, Mentos South Africa, REVIVE, Tempest Car Hire, George & Manana Wines, Beryl Digital Concepts, J’adore Collection, Château Gâteaux, Native Child, Lola Lee Beauty, Avante Brandy, Cartel Events and Catering, and NomaYini Projects.
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