Oluthando Keteyi|Published
Netflix hit "The Polygamist" is leading the pack at the 2026 National Film & TV Awards South Africa, with the drama among the standout productions recognised in this year’s nominations following its international success.
The Stained Glass Productions series has earned recognition across major categories, including Best Scripted TV Series, Best TV Drama Series and several acting categories, cementing its place among the local productions making an impact both at home and abroad.
The nominations were announced on Monday, October 19, with the fourth annual ceremony set to take place at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg on November 19.
The series’ recognition comes after an impressive run on Netflix. According to the awards announcement, the streaming platform reported in August that "The Polygamist" had accumulated 27.6 million views, reached number one in 21 countries and entered the Top 10 in 62 countries.
The series also recorded the longest Global Top 10 non-English run for a South African title at the time, highlighting the growing international appetite for local storytelling.
Gugu Gumede, S’dumo Mtshali among the acting nominees
The success of "The Polygamist" is reflected in the recognition its cast has received, with Gugu Gumede, S’thandiwe Kgoroge, Kwanele Mthethwa and S’dumo Mtshali earning acting nominations.
Gumede is nominated for Best Actress in a TV Series for her portrayal in the first season of the drama. She is also in contention for Outstanding Performance, sponsored by Madepossible.ai.
Kgoroge and Mthethwa are also nominated in the Best Actress in a TV Series category for their roles in the show, while Mtshali is competing for Best Actor in a TV Series.
The production has further earned nominations for Kenneth Nkosi and Wonder Ndlovu in the Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series category, while Luyanda Zwane and Lwazie Keith Tsebesha are recognised in the Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series category.
Behind the scenes, producers Gugu Zuma-Ncube, Thuli Zuma and Pepsi Pokane have been nominated for Best Producer, while directors Akin Omotoso, Rolie Nikiwe and Nthabi Tau are in the running for Best Director.
The recognition extends beyond the individual performances, with Stained Glass Productions also nominated for Best Production Company.
Strong competition across South African television
While "The Polygamist" is the headline act, the nominations reflect a competitive year for South African television, with established favourites and newer productions making their mark.
Competing in major television categories are "Blood Legacy", "Critical But Stable", "Mpondoland", "The Four of Us", "Inimba", "Levels" and "Kwa Baba".
The Best Actress in a TV Series category features a strong line-up, including Sindi Dlathu for "The Four of Us", Lunathi Mampofu for "Levels", Tina Jaxa for "Mpondoland" and Xolile Tshabalala for "Blood Legacy".
On the men's side, Bonko Khoza is nominated for "Levels", Thembekile Komani for "Mpondoland", Wiseman Mncube for "Emzini" and Thembinkosi Mthembu for "Homecoming".
The film categories are equally competitive, with productions such as "Laundry (Uhlanjululo)", "180", "Dear Sis Dolly", "The Trek", "Masinga: The Calling", "Black Burns Fast" and "Love and Wine" earning nominations.
The awards also recognise talent behind the camera, with filmmakers competing for Best Director and producers vying for recognition for their contributions to the local film and television industry.
Reality TV and entertainment personalities also recognised
Beyond scripted television and film, the nominations include some of the country's most recognisable reality and entertainment television brands.
"Big Brother Mzansi", "MasterChef South Africa", "Married at First Sight Mzansi" and "Tropika Island of Treasure" are among the contenders in the competition and non-scripted categories.
The personality and presenting categories feature familiar names, including Bonang Matheba, Minnie Dlamini, Zanele Potelwa, Katlego Maboe, Smash Afrika and Lawrence Maleka.
Meanwhile, the Celebrity Personality of the Year category includes Anele Mdoda, Natasha Thahane, Somizi Mhlongo, Lasizwe Dambuza, Dineo Langa and Ama Qamata.
The Best Newcomer category also shines a spotlight on emerging talent, with Mila Smith recognised for "Black Burns Fast", Zekhethelo Zondi for "Laundry (Uhlanjululo)" and Liyabona Mroqoza for "The Last Ranger"
How to vote for the 2026 National Film & TV Awards
Public voting opened on October 19 at 1.00pm and closes on November 17 at noon. Viewers can vote through the official National Film & TV Awards website at nationalfilmandtvawards.co.za/voting.
The winners will be announced at the ceremony on November 19 at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace, Johannesburg.