The National Film & TV Awards South Africa returned to the Opera Theatre in Pretoria for its 3rd annual edition, delivering an unforgettable evening honouring the icons, trailblazers, and rising stars shaping the future of South African entertainment.
The 2025 South African Oscar-candidate film The Heart Is a Muscle, produced by AFDA alumni Brett Michael Innes and Adam Thal, and starring AFDA alumnus Keenan Arrison in the lead role, walked away with three major awards at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa.
• Best Feature Film
• Best Actor – Keenan Arrison
• Best Supporting Actress – Loren Loubser
In an Instagram post, AFDA alumnus Keenan Arrison expressed his gratitude, saying: “I’m so grateful and honoured to be part of this film and this team. I share this award with my fellow cast members and the crew. We did this!
To every single person who voted, shared, and believed in us, this is your win too. Thank you! Your support means the world. The love for this film just keeps growing, and we feel every bit of it.
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees across all categories. It was a privilege to share the night with you. Being surrounded by stars, icons, legends, and an entire community of artists… humbling, inspiring, and a reminder that we’re on the right path.”
The National Film & TV Awards celebrate excellence, creativity, and achievement across South Africa’s entertainment landscape. With millions of fans engaging nationwide, the NFTAs continue to spotlight the power of storytelling and the artists who elevate the country’s cultural identity.