19th SAFTAs: All you need to know about this year’s awards
The 19th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) are shaping up to be a powerful celebration of local storytelling, spotlighting the production houses, streaming platforms and performers driving the industry forward. From dominant productions to rising newcomers, this year’s nominations reflect both consistency at the top and exciting new energy across genres.
The SAFTAs19 Craft and Main Show Awards, themed: One Story. One Industry. One Future. – Celebrating South Africa’s Screen Legacy, Together, will be held on 13 and 14 March 2026.
Production houses lead the charge
Tshedza Pictures leads the pack for the second consecutive year with 24 nominations. Their standout productions include iThonga with ten nominations and Youngins with six nominations, reinforcing their stronghold in the industry.
Close behind is Quizzical Pictures with 22 nominations. Their nominations includes Reyka S2 with nine nominations, White Lies with eight nominations and Savage Beauty S2 four nominations, showcasing strength across drama and thriller formats. Penguin Films secured 17 nominations across its telenovelas and series. Skemergrond earned three nominations, Diepe Waters received two, and Arendsvlei one, all three also featuring in the Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela public vote category.
Known Associates Entertainment received 16 nominations spanning TV Comedy and Feature Film categories, including recognition for Snake and Death of a Whistleblower. MMSV Productions’ Generations: The Legacy earned seven nominations, while Peu Communications’ Skeem Saam received five, and Stained Glass TV’s Uzalo achieved four. Newcomer The Milton Empire also made a strong debut, with Inimba S1 securing five nominations.
Streaming platforms make their mark
Streaming continues to reshape the industry landscape, with Netflix earning 55 nominations and Showmax slightly ahead with 59 nominations, a testament to the growing influence of digital-first storytelling.
Star power on the night
Heavyweights of the screen including Sello Maake ka-Ncube, Bonko Khoza, Zenande Mfenyana, Nelisiwe Sibiya, Celeste Loots, Sandra Prinsloo, Vusi Kunene and Brumilda van Rensburg promise an entertaining showcase of the very best South African talent.
Award details: One Story. One Industry. One Future.
Under the theme One Story. One Industry. One Future – Celebrating South Africa’s Screen Legacy, Together, the SAFTAs19 Craft and Main Awards will take place on 13 and 14 March 2026.
The Craft Awards will stream live on the SAFTAs YouTube page and social media platforms on 13 March 2026, celebrating the behind-the-scenes artistry that powers the industry. The Main Awards will be simulcast live on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) and SABC2 on 14 March 2026, preceded by a Red Carpet special on both channels. Public voting will be open for the Best TV Presenter and Most Popular Telenovela or Soap categories from 19 February 2026, closing on 11 March 2026, with voting details available on SAFTAs’ social media platforms and the NFVF website.
