Inside Silwerskerm 2026: Why SA’s premier film fest left me sleepless (And I’d do it all again)

Full list of winners: Best lead performer in a comedy: Albert Pretorius (Flip) – Die kantoor Best supporting performer in a comedy: Schalk Bezuidenhout (Tjaart) – Die kantoor Best supporting performer in a telenovela or soap opera: Gretchen Ramsden (Patty Paulsen) – Skemergrond Best newcomer in a telenovela or soap opera: Izette Blignaut (Petro) – Binnelanders Best actor in a telenovela or soap opera: Germandt Geldenhuys (Louis) – Binnelanders Best actress in a telenovela or soap opera: Sandi Schultz (Zelda Joubert) – Diepe waters Best actor in a drama: Albert Pretorius (Gustaff Fouché) – Niggies Best actress in a drama: Rolanda Marais (Adri Joubert) – Die nuusmakers Best male supporting performer in a drama: Ian Roberts (Jakkals) – Appels en tee Best female supporting performer in a drama: Roeline Daneel (Maks Fouché) – Niggies Best presenter in a lifestyle programme: Hannes van Wyk – Kwêla Best presenter in an entertainment programme: Rian van Heerden – Wie word ‘n miljoenêr Best presenter in a reality programme: Reandi Grey – Boer soek ‘n vrou Best presenter in a talk show or current affairs programme: Rian van Heerden – Laataand by Rian Best presenter in a documentary programme: Rian van Heerden – Schuster Best ensemble presenter team: Hamilton Wessels, Rika Calitz, Breyton Paulse, Bakkies Botha, Jonathan Mokuena, Jannie du Plessis, Rikus de Beer, Tommy Dickson (Chef Vaatjie) – Toks en Tjops WINNERS IN SOME OF THE FEATURE FILM CATEGORIES: Best female supporting performer: Nicole Holm – Landmyn Best actor: Ben Albertyn –Landmyn Best actress: Anna-Mart van der Merwe – Landmyn Best feature film: Landmyn – Kaunda Selisho was a guest of Multichoice/Canal+.

The night belonged in large part to presenter Rian van Heerden, called up three times for Silwerskerm statuettes, and to the feature film Landmyn, which swept four of the headline categories – best feature film, best actor for Ben Albertyn, best actress for Anna-Mart van der Merwe, and best female supporting performer for Nicole Holm.

There’s a reason why the Silwerskerm Film Festival has built a 14-year reputation as one of the standout events on South Africa’s entertainment calendar, and after attending for the first time this year, I finally understand the hype.