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- The Saftas took place in person for the first time in three years.
- The country took a moment to celebrate and honour their favourite films, soapies, telenovelas, presenters and actors.
- News24's Alfonso Nqunjana was on the red carpet to capture some of the night's looks.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
This year, the annual South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) took place in person at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand for the first time in three years.
The 17th annual ceremony was held this past weekend to honour and celebrate the best of the South African film and television industry over two nights.
The awards ceremony was one of the many things impacted by the disruptive and life-altering Covid-19 pandemic, which required the previous Saftas ceremonies to be held virtually.
This year's theme was "Our stories flow together"; however, no theme dictated what guests had to wear.
Red carpet commentary dominated social media over the weekend, with viewers becoming fashion critics from the comfort of their homes.
News24's Alfonso Nqunjana was on the red carpet to capture some of the night's looks.
On Saturday evening, South Africa's much-loved Lawrence Maleka and former Miss Universe turned host, Zozibini Tunzi, excellently co-piloted the main show, which was a first for both.
The awards were broadcast live on S3 (formerly SABC3, DStv channel 193) and Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161), and the ceremony was preceded by red carpet coverage hosted by award-winning multimedia entrepreneur Pamela Mtanga and award-winning Afternoon Express host Thabiso Makhubela.
Friday night's craft awards ceremony, held on Friday, 29 September 2023, was hosted by Expresso hosts Kuhle Adams and Carl Wastie.
The guests and live audience were entertained by performances from legendary acts such as Ntokozo Mbambo and Tuks Senganga, while current favourites such as Murumba Pitch, Jesse Clegg and Lwah Ndlunkulu also graced the stage.
The Multichoice Group scored 45 awards, with its telenovela Legacy taking the award for Best Telenovela.
Hela Media took home two Golen Horns, Best TV Drama and Best Achievement in Wardrobe for Lavish. At the same time, the critically acclaimed feature film Gaia worked away with multiple awards for Best Feature Film, Best Achievement in Original Music/Score (Feature Film), Best Achievement in Cinematography (Feature Film) and Best Achievement in Directing (Feature Film).
Tshegofatso Mosupye - popularly known as Tshego Koke - from Yo MTV Raps Uncapped won the coveted Best Presenter award as voted for by the public.
This year's host, Lawrence Maleka, won his second SAFTA, Best Actor in a Telenovela, for his role as Zolani in The River.
The much-talked-about Blood Psalms won Best Achievement in Cinematography award, while The Wife Season 3 walked away with Best Achievement in Directing.
The SABC walked away with six Golden Horns, where Sihle Hlophe's documentary, Lobola, A Bride's True Price? won the awards for Best Achievement in Directing and Best Documentary Feature.
WATCH | Scenes from the Saftas red carpet:
@kay_tatyana What the stars wore on the red carpet for the 17th annual South African Film and Television Awards #saftas17 #redcarpet #fashion #celebrities ? Mnike (feat. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee) - Tyler ICU & Tumelo.za
Best Competition Reality Show went to Tropika Island of Treasure All Stars while Best Factual Programme went to Rebounders: Grizelda Grootboom and the seasoned Craig Urbani walked away with the award for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama for Makoti Season 2.
Streaming platform Netflix received 19 awards with their comedy, How to Ruin Christmas, leading the TV Comedy category with 5 wins. Veteran actor Nthati Moshesh (who won Best Actress in a Telenovela at SAFTAs16) won Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama for her role as Grace Bhengu in Savage Beauty on Netflix this year. Pambilimedia, with its Feature Film Silverton Siege, led in the Feature Film category, winning six awards.
ETV won 12 awards, with Scandal! from Ochre Media taking the Best TV Soap and the public vote for the Most Popular TV Soap awards.
Living legend Koos Roets and the late Derek Watts were honoured with a Golden Horn, marking their Lifetime Achiever Awards for their immense contribution to the South African film and television industry with their illustrious careers.
The complete list of winners is available on News24.
READ MORE | All the winners at 2023's 17th Saftas
