Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Celebs gear up for the Saftas
LOCAL celebrities and the who’s who of the movie industry are putting the finishing touches to their haute couture looks for the country’s most prestigious film awards at the Sun City Superbowl next week.
The South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) recognise outstanding work by artists in film and television by handing award-winners the coveted golden horn trophy.
The introduction of Mzansi Magic in 2010 saw the creation of many telenovelas and dramas, producing actors who dominate the nomination list for this year’s awards.
These include the nomination of Sdumo Mtshali for best actor in a TV drama, for his role in Is’thunzi.
Isibaya star Siyabonga Thwala, who in 2014 won the golden horn for best actor in a TV soapie, for his role in Isibaya, has been nominated in this category again this year.
In 2014, Thwala, from Durban, also scooped the award for best actor in a TV drama for his role in Intersexion. He collected his first golden horn in 2007, for his role as Vusi Zwane in e.tv’s soapie Scandal.
In 2016 Mtshali, also from Durban, was nominated for the award of best achievement by a lead actor in a TV drama for his role as Ndumiso Khumalo in Saints and Sinners.
Speaking about his nomination this year, Mtshali said it felt good to be recognised by his peers in the industry.
He began acting after winning the top prize in the reality show Class Act, which ran on SABC1.
He has played a number of different characters, from a policeman in the award-winning film iNumber Number to the hardcore, aggressive Mandla in Is’thunzi, a contrast to the soft- spoken Ndumiso Khumalo in Saints and Sinners.
“I always had to find a way to be different with each character. It’s always important to know what you want to say to your audience with each role.”