The Polygamist Leads SA Awards Nominations

Netflix drama The Polygamist is among the leading contenders at the 2026 National Film and TV Awards South Africa, with Gugu Gumede, S’dumo Mtshali and other cast members recognised across major categories.

The Polygamist earns major nominations

The Stained Glass Productions drama has secured nominations for Best Scripted TV Series, Best TV Drama Series and several acting awards, following its strong performance on Netflix and growing international reach.

The fourth annual National Film and TV Awards South Africa ceremony is scheduled for November 19 at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg. The nominations were announced on October 19, with productions from across South African television, film and reality entertainment competing for recognition.

According to the awards announcement, Netflix reported in August that The Polygamist had accumulated 27.6 million views, reached number one in 21 countries and entered the platform’s 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, reflecting its international audience and the growing visibility of locally produced stories.

Gumede and Mtshali lead acting recognition

Gugu Gumede is nominated for Best Actress in a TV Series for her performance in the drama’s first season. She is also competing for Outstanding Performance, a category sponsored by Madepossible.ai.

S’thandiwe Kgoroge and Kwanele Mthethwa have also earned nominations for Best Actress in a TV Series for their roles in The Polygamist. S’dumo Mtshali is nominated for Best Actor in a TV Series.

The show’s supporting cast has also received recognition. Kenneth Nkosi and Wonder Ndlovu are nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series, while Luyanda Zwane and Lwazie Keith Tsebesha are competing for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series.

The nominations extend to the creative team behind the production. Producers Gugu Zuma-Ncube, Thuli Zuma and Pepsi Pokane are in contention for Best Producer, while directors Akin Omotoso, Rolie Nikiwe and Nthabi Tau have been nominated for Best Director.

Stained Glass Productions has also secured a nomination for Best Production Company, adding to the series’ recognition across both on-screen and behind-the-scenes categories.

South African television faces strong competition

Although The Polygamist has attracted attention across several categories, it faces competition from a range of other South African productions.

Titles nominated in major television categories include Blood Legacy, Critical But Stable, Mpondoland, The Four of Us, Inimba, Levels and Kwa Baba.

The Best Actress in a TV Series category includes Sindi Dlathu for The Four of Us, Lunathi Mampofu for Levels, Tina Jaxa for Mpondoland and Xolile Tshabalala for Blood Legacy.

Among the male acting nominees are Bonko Khoza for Levels, Thembekile Komani for Mpondoland, Wiseman Mncube for Emzini and Thembinkosi Mthembu for Homecoming.

The film categories also feature a varied selection of local productions, including Laundry (Uhlanjululo), 180, Dear Sis Dolly, The Trek, Masinga: The Calling, Black Burns Fast and Love and Wine. The nominations recognise filmmakers and producers alongside the actors whose performances bring the stories to audiences.

Reality television and presenters recognised

Reality and non-scripted entertainment also feature prominently in this year’s nominations. Big Brother Mzansi, MasterChef South Africa, Married at First Sight Mzansi and Tropika Island of Treasure are among the programmes competing in their respective categories.

Several familiar television personalities have received nominations, including Bonang Matheba, Minnie Dlamini, Zanele Potelwa, Katlego Maboe, Smash Afrika and Lawrence Maleka.

The Celebrity Personality of the Year category includes Anele Mdoda, Natasha Thahane, Somizi Mhlongo, Lasizwe Dambuza, Dineo Langa and Ama Qamata.

The awards are also highlighting emerging performers through the Best Newcomer category. Mila Smith is nominated for Black Burns Fast, Zekhethelo Zondi for Laundry (Uhlanjululo) and Liyabona Mroqoza for The Last Ranger.

Public voting and ceremony dates

Public voting opened on October 19 at 1pm and is scheduled to close on November 17 at noon. Viewers can cast their votes through the official National Film and TV Awards website at nationalfilmandtvawards.co.za/voting.

The winners will be announced on November 19 at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg. Until then, the nominations highlight the range of productions and performers contributing to South Africa’s television and film industries, with The Polygamist receiving recognition across acting, production and directing.