Johannesburg, 13th October 2025 — 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.
Public voting officially opens at 13:00 on 13th October 2025 via the official academy public voting platform ; www.nationalfilmacademy.com and will close at 12:00 on 20 November 2025.
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 (Official nailcare partner), 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.
Kabelo [Head of Partnerships, National Film & TV Awards South Africa] said:
“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.”
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.
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 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.”
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:
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.
PRESS CONTACTS
National Film Academy (London Office):
Lisa Fuller – lisa.fuller@nationalfilmawards.co.uk
National Film Academy (South Africa Office):
Kabelo – kabelo@nationalfilmawards.co.uk
Official Website: www.nationalfilmandtvawards.co.za
