SAFTAs 2024 Highlights: The Best Red Carpet Looks and Award Winners

BY ELLE NKOSI
Oct 28, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Oct 29, 2024

The 18th annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) was a night of glamour, triumph, and history-making moments, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre on October 26. The star-studded event sparkled with excitement, as co-hosts comedian Skhumba Hlophe and media personality Lerato Kganyago brought their charismatic energy to the stage, making for a night to remember. For the first time in SAFTA history, the ceremony included sign language interpreters, highlighting a new era of inclusivity. Nomalanga Shozi and Kat Sinivasan elevated the evening further with their exclusive red carpet coverage, where celebrities showed off their jaw-dropping ensembles and undeniable star power.

As for the awards, the night belonged to three major players: Shaka iLembe, Yoh!, Christmas, and Outlaws, which collectively dominated the wins. The epic historical drama Shaka iLembe reigned supreme with 12 awards, including Best TV Drama, while Thembinkosi Mthembu’s captivating portrayal earned him Best Actor in a TV Drama. Yoh!, Christmas made its mark with eight wins, including Best TV Comedy, setting a festive mood for Netflix South Africa. Meanwhile, Outlaws secured its place in telenovela royalty with eight accolades, underscoring the series' compelling storytelling.

Of course, the SAFTAs wouldn’t be complete without honoring the talent that breathes life into these stories. Elizabeth Serunye (Skeem Saam) and Germandt Geldenhuys (Binnelanders) emerged as the shining stars in the TV Soap categories, while Zikhona Sodlaka’s fierce performance in Gqeberha - The Empire won her the Best Actress in a Telenovela. The late Mpho Sebeng received a heartfelt tribute as he was posthumously awarded Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela for his work in The Estate. On a night that celebrated new talents and legends alike, the Lifetime Achievement Awards fittingly went to Generations creator Mfundi Vundla and the iconic Arthur Molepo for their enduring contributions to the industry.

Red carpet style brought the drama, with our favourute stars leading the fashion parade and giving us a glimpse of the season's most daring trends. The 18th SAFTAs wasn't just about awards; it was about setting new standards for style and storytelling, with every moment adding to the rich tapestry of South African film and television culture.

Step into the 18th annual SAFTAs, where it was back to basics. Here are some of the standout red carpet moments.