Actress Hope Mbhele who hosted the nomination announcement, KZNTAFA Chair Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, and Portia Ncwane who is nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film and Best Isizulu Film.
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The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority has announced the nominees for the 12th annual Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards.
Under the theme “Africa’s Champions of Storytelling: From Piers to Pages,” this year’s nominees reflect the vibrant, diverse, and growing creative talent emerging from the province and beyond.
Leading this year’s nominations list is the Stained Glass movie series, “Umjolo” is leading with seven nominations for the different movies released on Netflix.
Four nominations for “Umjolo: Gone Girl” and the actors who received nominations include Sibongiseni Shezi, Sibusisiwe Jili, Menzi Biyela and Gugu Gumede.
BET Original Production “A Wesley South African Christmas” and close behind are audience favourites “Smoke and Mirrors”, and “Uzalo”.
The outgoing “Smoke and Mirrors” has received four nominations - Best Actor TV Malusi Yeni and Herald Khumalo, Best Actress TV Nqobile Magwaza and Mbalenhle Primrose Cele for Best Supporting Actress TV.
SABC 1’s long-running soap “Uzalo” has received four nominations, Best Supporting Actor TV Bandile Maphalala and Andile Zamokuhle Mtambo, Best Supporting Actress TV
“Scandal!” on-screen couple Kwenzo Ngcobo and Nombulelo Mhlongo have received nominations each - Best Actor TV and Best Actress TV Duduzile Ngcobo and Best Newcomer Actor Andile Mtambo.
Season four of “The Real Housewives of Durban” has three nominations, and viewer favourite “Uthando Nesthembu” season eight has a nomination.
“This nomination is a celebration of where we come from as artists. The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards honour stories rooted in who we are as Africans — spiritual, emotional, proud,” said Mbuso Khoza, nominated for Best Supporting Actor in Film for “Masinga the Calling”.
“I am humbled to be recognised for a role that honours our ancestors and the sacred responsibility of storytelling.”
The nominations span over 30 categories, including Best Actor and Actress in TV and Film, Best Director, Best Use of KZN as a Filming Location, Best Documentary, Best Feature and Short Film, Best Student Film, and more, reflecting a wide cross-section of the creative sector.
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