The Polygamist Leads 2026 National Film & TV Awards Nominations as Mzansi Stars Compete for Top Honors
The 2026 National Film & TV Awards nominees are announced. The Polygamist leads the shortlist as South Africans vote for their favorite stars.
The 2026 National Film and TV Awards recognise outstanding talent across South Africa’s film and television industry. Gugu Gumede, S’thandiwe Kgoroge and Kwanele Mthethwa are among the actresses recognised for their roles in the production, while S’dumo Mtshali is nominated for Best Actor in a TV Series.
The series’ supporting cast has also received recognition. Kenneth Nkosi and Wonder Ndlovu are nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category, while Luyanda Zwane and Lwazie Keith Tsebesha are recognised among the supporting actresses.
The nominations reflect the production’s strong position in the local television industry and the performances that have helped attract viewers.
Its international streaming success has also strengthened its profile. According to the awards organisers, Netflix reported that the series accumulated 27.6 million views in August 2026, reached number one in 21 countries and entered the Top 10 in 62 countries.
These figures demonstrate the growing international reach of South African television productions.
Popular South African Actors Receive Recognition
The 2026 shortlist features several familiar faces from South African television.
In the Best Actress in a TV Series category, nominees include Sindi Dlathu for The Four of Us, Lunathi Mampofu for Levels, Tina Jaxa for Mpondoland and Xolile Tshabalala for Blood Legacy.
Other recognised performers include Motsoaledi Setumo, Khabonina Qubeka, Rami Chuene, Winnie Ntshaba and Andrea Dondolo.
The Best Actor in a TV Series category is equally competitive.
S’dumo Mtshali faces competition from Bonko Khoza, Wiseman Mncube, Thembinkosi Mthembu, Lawrence Maleka, Zamani Mbatha and other recognised television performers.
These nominations highlight the variety of stories and characters that South African television continues to bring to audiences.
For viewers who follow local drama series, the awards provide an opportunity to recognise the performers behind some of the country’s most popular productions.
South African Films Also Make Their Mark
The awards are not limited to television. Several locally produced films have secured nominations across the major film categories.
Among the nominated titles are The Trek, 180, Laundry (Uhlanjululo), Dear Sis Dolly, Masinga: The Calling, Black Burns Fast, Love and Wine and Yoh! Bestie.
The Best Actress in a Film category includes Trix Vivier, Didintle Khunou, Shamilla Miller, Masali Baduza, Katlego Lebogang and Noxolo Dlamini.
The Best Actor in a Film category features performers such as Morné Visser, Ntobeko Sishi, Prince Grootboom, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Thobani Nzuza and Thomas Gumede.
Behind-the-scenes talent is also receiving attention, with nominations recognising directors and producers responsible for bringing these productions to audiences.
The recognition of both performers and production teams is important because successful films depend on contributions from many people working across different parts of the entertainment industry.
Bonang, Minnie Dlamini and Other Personalities Nominated
The awards also recognise personalities who have made an impact through presenting, television appearances and entertainment programming.
Bonang Matheba, Minnie Dlamini, Zanele Potelwa, Katlego Maboe and Smash Afrika are among the familiar names appearing in the nominations.
The Best Female TV Personality category includes Zanele Potelwa, Lerato Mvelase, Khanyi Mars, Munaka Muthambi and Minnie Dlamini.
In the Best Male TV Personality category, nominees include Musa Mseleku, Smash Afrika, Lawrence Maleka, TT Mbha, Fezile Mkhize and Katlego Maboe.
The Best TV Presenter category also features Pamela Mtanga, whose recent television return has attracted attention, alongside established broadcasting personalities.
These categories allow audiences to recognise the presenters and personalities who contribute to South Africa’s entertainment landscape beyond acting and film production.
Big Brother Mzansi and Other Reality Shows Compete
Reality television remains an important part of South African entertainment, and several popular programmes have secured nominations.
Big Brother Mzansi is recognised in both the Best Competition Show and Best Non-Scripted TV Series categories.
Other nominated programmes include MasterChef South Africa, Married at First Sight Mzansi, Tropika Island of Treasure, Deal or No Deal South Africa and Ultimate Braai Master.
The Best Dating Show category features programmes such as Date My Family, Single & Mingle, Mageza Wants a Wife and Married at First Sight Mzansi.
Their inclusion reflects the popularity of reality and competition formats among local audiences.
Public Voting Is Open Ahead of the November Ceremony
South Africans can now participate in the awards by voting for nominees through the official National Film & TV Awards website.
The public voting period opened on 19 October 2026 and closes on 17 November 2026 at 12:00.
The winners will be announced during the ceremony on 19 November at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace, Johannesburg.
Viewers interested in supporting their favourite entertainers should use the official voting platform and review the available categories before submitting their choices.
The awards provide an opportunity for audiences to show appreciation for the actors, presenters, filmmakers and television productions that have entertained them throughout the year.
A Celebration of South African Entertainment
The 2026 National Film & TV Awards nominations showcase the depth of South Africa’s entertainment industry, from internationally recognised television productions to emerging film talent and popular reality programmes.
With The Polygamist attracting significant attention and many familiar personalities competing across different categories, the November ceremony is expected to be an important celebration of local creative talent.
For South African viewers, the public voting period offers a chance to take part in recognising the people and productions shaping the country’s film and television industry. The 2026 National Film and TV Awards will bring together some of Mzansi’s most recognised entertainment personalities.