MultiChoice had a very strong showing in every category this year. “MultiChoice has made substantial investment in locally produced content in order to tell our African stories to the world,” says Yolisa Phahle, CEO of MCG General Entertainment. “It’s an incredibly proud moment to see the award-winning stories that our investment of R2.5 billion into local productions each year.”
With nearly 14 million customers and 148 channels, MCG is firmly positioned as Africa's leading storyteller and has been the foremost provider of award-winning entertainment content from across the continent.
The company’s investment into local production has resulted in over 4 000 hours of local content produced per year as well as the establishment of extensive production facilities with 10 studios across Africa.
“Beyond entertainment, it’s rewarding to see how, through our investments in infrastructure, technology and empowerment initiatives, we are empowering a supply chain which in turn supports local business and communities,” Phahle explains.
“We are giving people the opportunity to tell their stories. By creating and funding so many original productions across the MultiChoice stable, I’d like to believe we’re playing our part in driving that virtuous circle and in telling Africa’s stories. The fact that we’re getting interest in our originals from around the world is a testament to the quality of our industry.”
Most awarded telenovela: 'The River'
With ten awards, The River was the most awarded programme in this category, including Best Telenovela and Most Popular TV Soap / Telenovela. This made haul also made it the most awarded production overall, across all categories at the awards. Moshidi Motshegwa as Malefu beat out co-star Sindi Dlathu as Lindiwe to win Best Actress, while Presley Chweneyagae as Cobra won out over co-star Hlomla Dandala as Zweli for Best Actor. The River also won Best Supporting Actor, Best Directing, Best Scriptwriting, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Score and Best Sound.
Ring of Lies also received various nominations and Vele Manenje was named Best Supporting Actress for her role as Shandukani in the show.
Embedded showpage link https://www.multichoicestudios.com/show/ring-of-lies?sid=dba4c3e0-4969-11e9-94c5-0fe741a874c3
Most awarded comedy: 'Tali’s Wedding Diary'
In the comedy category, Tali’s Wedding Diary, took home five awards from seven nominations, including Best Comedy and Best Actress for Julia Anastasopoulos as Tali Shapiro. Tali’s Wedding Diary also won Best Directing, Best Cinematography and Best Editing. This marked the first time a streaming service such as Showmax has won at the SAFTAs.
Most awarded drama: 'Lockdown'
In the drama category, Lockdown Season 2 was the most awarded series, with five awards including Best TV Drama. For her role as Mazet, Dawn Thandeka King beat two-time International Emmy nominee Thuso Mbedu (Is’Thunzi) to win Best Actress, while Lorcia Cooper took home the Best Supporting Actress award. The drama also won Best Wardrobe and Best Hair & Make-up.
There were a further 6 awards split between Lockdown and Is’thunzi.
Most awarded soap: 'Isithembiso'
Isithembiso came out on top in the TV Soap category including Best Script, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Sound.
Seven awards were split between Isithembiso and Isibaya, which included Best Supporting Actress (Gcina Mkhize); Best Supporting Actor (Abdul Khoza); and Best Directing.
kykNET most awarded Channel overall in Feature Film Category:
Ellen: Die Ellen Pakkies Storie was the most awarded feature film, taking home four awards: Best Actress (Jill Levenberg), Best Actor (Jarrid Geduld), Best Director and Best Music/Score.
kykNET won nine of the fourteen film categories. In addition to Ellen’s wins, Stroomop won Best Supporting Actress (Ilse Klink as Diona); Kanarie won Best Script; Meerkat Maantuig won Best Cinematography; Nommer 37 took home Best Editor; and Stroomop won Best Hair & Make-Up.
kykNET’s Getroud Met Rugby won Best Art Direction.
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