South Africa’s screen industry gathered at Johannesburg’s Gallagher Convention Centre for the 19th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), with production house Tshedza Pictures emerging as the night’s biggest winner after collecting seven Golden Horns across the two-night ceremony.
The awards, which celebrate the best of the country’s film and television sector, were held on 13 and 14 March 2026, according to the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF). The main show was hosted by Anele Mgudlwa and Simphiwe “Alphi” Mkhwanazi.
Tshedza Pictures leads the pack
Tshedza Pictures topped the winners’ tally with seven awards, cementing its standing as one of the most prominent production houses in the local industry. It was followed by Quizzical Pictures and Wolflight Films, which each walked away with six Golden Horns, according to the NFVF.
The strong showing across multiple production companies pointed to a competitive field at this year’s ceremony, with honours spread across both film and television categories.
Top film and television honours
Among the marquee prizes, ‘Death of a Whistleblower’ claimed Best Feature Film, while ‘Reyka’ season two was named Best TV Drama, according to the NFVF and DStv.
The headline winners on the night included:
- Best Feature Film: ‘Death of a Whistleblower’
- Best TV Drama: ‘Reyka’ season two
- Biggest overall winner: Tshedza Pictures, with seven Golden Horns
The two-night format allowed the ceremony to recognise a wide range of talent and craft across the local production landscape, from feature films to television drama.
Industry hails the achievement
NFVF Acting CEO Onke Dumeko praised those honoured at the event, describing the night as “the culmination of many sleepless nights, unwavering dedication, and the sheer determination of every talent we honour.”
The comments reflected the significance of the SAFTAs as a key fixture in the South African entertainment calendar, where the industry comes together to celebrate the work of writers, directors, performers and production teams.
Now in its 19th year, the SAFTAs remain one of the most closely watched events for the local screen sector, spotlighting both established production houses and emerging talent. With Tshedza Pictures, Quizzical Pictures and Wolflight Films all featuring prominently among the winners, the 2026 edition underscored the depth of storytelling and craft on display across South Africa’s film and television output.