Hardly six months into existence, Mzansi Magic telenovela ‘Gomora‘ marked a moment in history as it’s crowned South Africa’s most popular Soapie during a special broadcast of the 2020 Royalty Soapie Awards on Saturday (September 26) on SABC 1 Mzansi Fo Sho.
South Africa’s favourite Soapie stars brought the usual glitz and glam as they graced the red carpet during a studio recording of the 2020 awards ceremony to celebrate fellow thespians who were recognised for their commitment to their craft and playing a vital role in the performing arts.
Hosted by South Africa’s much-loved entertainment personalities, comedian Mpho Popps and the dazzling Lerato LKG Kganyago, one of the highlights of the evening was the crowning of ‘Gomora‘ as South Africa’s Most Popular Soapie for this year’s edition of the Royalty Soapie Awards.
Gomora‘s well-deserved recognition comes hardly six month after the much-loved Seriti Films produced telenovela was introduced to local viewers during the height of a global pandemic, and just 4 days after the introduction of the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa on March 26.
In a first for The Royalty Soapie Awards, a beautiful ‘In Memoriam’ tribute to some of SA”s entertainment pioneers we’ve lost this year, which included the legendary casting director Moonyeenn Lee and radio legend Bob Mabena (as seen below), was aired.
Another highlight of the night came in the form of ‘Getroud met Rugby‘, as the winners of the new recognition award, Social Cohesion.
A significant special award presented by The Gauteng sport, arts, culture, and recreation MEC Mbali Hlophe and award-winning businesswoman and author, Amanda Dambuza went to Angus Gibson who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to storytelling, scouting new talent and paving a way for a generation of filmmakers.
The Outstanding Soapie Award closed the chapter of the awards show as ‘Binnelanders‘ bagged the title for 2020 Royalty Soapie Awards.
2020 Royalty Soapie Awards: Fullest of winners
Technical Categories
Outstanding Editing Team
Isibaya
Outstanding Lighting
The Queen
Outstanding Art Direction
Getroud met Rugby
Outstanding Directing Team
Gomora
Creative Categories
Outstanding Make-Up & Hair
The River
Outstanding Wardrobe
The Queen
Outstanding Writing Team
Skeem Saam
Most Popular Soapie of the Year (Public Vote Category)
Gomora
Supporting Role Categories
Outstanding Supporting Actor
Sthembiso Khoza as Shaka Khoza in The Queen
Outstanding Supporting Actress
Sannah Mchunu as Zodwa in ‘Gomora‘
Outstanding Newcomer
Sicelo Buthelezi as Teddy in ‘Gomora‘
Outstanding Couple
Sindi Dlathu & Hlomla Dandala as Lindiwe & Zweli in ‘The River‘
Lead Role Categories
Outstanding Lead Actor: Presley Chweneyagae as Cobra in ‘The River‘
Outstanding Lead Actress: Dawn Thandeka King as MaNgcobo in ‘Uzalo‘
Outstanding Male Villain: Dirk Stoltz as DeWetBasson in ‘7de Laan‘
Outstanding Female Villain: Sindi Dlathu as Lindiwe in ‘The River‘
Outstanding Soapie: ‘Binnelanders‘
Recognitiom & Special Awards
Social Cohesion
Getroud met Rugby
Background Actor
Sphiwe Msebe
Lifetime Achievement Award
Angus Gibson
*For brand focused South African news and breaking TV & film updates, make sure to visit the NOWinSA Entertainment page daily!
