Silwerskerm 2025 winners: Nêrens, Noord-Kaap’ & ‘My F*k, Marelize’ win big, Vinette Ebrahim honoured

The mood at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) for the kykNET Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV was one of unmistakable jubilation. 

Rugby fans watched the tough game between the Springboks and Wallabies and were over the moon with our 30–22 victory.

Armand Aucamp and Rozanne McKenzie hosted the ceremony, which maintained a "no-DNA, just RSA" atmosphere throughout.

Filmed for television, the ceremony followed a tight schedule, with actors, TV presenters, and filmmakers honoured. Speeches, ranging from quirky to heartfelt, were limited to 30 seconds.

Captivating performances from Early B, Janie Bay and Elandré bolstered the glitzy awards ceremony.

On the TV front,” Nêrens, Noord-Kaap” was a big winner, bagging wins for Best Actor in a Drama, Best Actress in a Drama, Best Supporting Actor in a Drama and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama. 

The movie that took audiences by surprise with its heartfelt drama and won big was “My f*k, Marelize”. It won Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.

While “Hen” was a dark horse at the festival, its black and white cinematic prowess and script that relied more on actions than words, bagged a Best Actor honour for Stian Bam. Although "Hen" was an unexpected contender at the festival, its black and white cinematic skill and script, which emphasised action over dialogue, earned Stian Bam the Best Actor award.

As is customary at every award ceremony, a stirring tribute was paid to those who passed away in the last year. It was the only time during the ceremony that the mood dipped, albeit briefly. 

This year, three legends were honoured with Lifestime Achievement accolades. The first was legendary funnyman and prankster Leon Schuster, who has left an indelible mark on the industry for four decades. 

Although he wasn’t able to receive his award in person, he did share a heart-warming pre-recorded acceptance speech and assured Mzansi he will be back. 

The tribute included archived material of his work as well as a few rib-tickling moments of him pranking South Africans.

Next was Vinette Ebrahim, who, aside from being a household name as Charmaine Meintjies on “7de Laan”, is fondly called Aunty Vee by her industry colleagues. 

Her speech was spoken from the heart as she recalled her over five decades in the industry. While there were ups and downs, she was grateful for the opportunity to be seen. 

The 68-year-old actress expressed gratitude for her theatre and TV opportunities, emphasising the industry's capacity for all. She urged industry leaders to mentor emerging talent.

She charmed audiences with her delightful blend of humour and seriousness, proving utterly captivating.

Finally, Marida Swanepoel, a founding member of kykNET, commanded the stage, showcasing her extensive experience and powerful presence.

“The recognition given to extraordinary work at the awards is never the reason why this content is created in the first place – it is made to captivate audiences,” says Waldimar Pelser, M-Net Channel Director: Premium Channels.

According to Waldimar, several new trends emerged in this year’s films. “The psychological horror ‘Hen’ pushes boundaries in technique, genre and approach – we can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction,” he says.

Waldimar also announced at the awards that a documentary series on Leon Schuster will premiere on kykNET on October 1, while many of his films will air on M-Net from September.

TELEVISION

Best Lead in a Comedy: Bianca Flanders – “Mince Jou Hare” (S1)

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy: Tobie Cronjé – “Pronk Primêr” (S1)

Best Actor in a Drama: Frank Opperman – “Nêrens, Noord-Kaap” (S2)

Best Actress in a Drama: Ilse Klink – “Nêrens, Noord-Kaap” (S2)

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama: Geon Nel – “Nêrens, Noord-Kaap” (S2)

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama: Daneel van der Walt – “Nêrens, Noord-Kaap” (S2)

Best Actor in a Telenovela or Soap: Justin Strydom – “Diepe Waters” (S3)

Best Actress in a Telenovela or Soap: Nadia Valvekens – “Diepe Waters” (S3)

Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela or Soap: Therese Bam – “Wyfie” (S2)

Best Newcomer in a Telenovela or Soap: Mila de Villiers – “Reënboogrant” (S1)

Best Entertainment Show Presenter: Emo Adams – “Oppi Noot”

Best Lifestyle Show Presenter (including talk and magazine shows): Hannon Bothma – “Glam Guru”

Best Current Affairs or Talk Show Presenter: Lourensa Eckard – In Gesprek (S9)

Best Reality Show Presenters: Bertus Basson & Kobus Botha – Kokkedoor: Vuur & Vlam 

Best Ensemble Presenting Team: Breyton Paulse, Hamilton Wessels, Rika Nieuwoudt, Rikus de Beer, Janina Oberholzer, Jean de Villiers, Jonathan Mokuena, Jannie du Plessis, Tommy Dickson (Chef Vaatjie) – “Toks & tjops”

FILM

Best Supporting Actor: Francois Jacobs – “Khaki Fever”

Best Supporting Actress: Zandélle Meyer – “My f*k, Marelize!”

Best Actor: Stian Bam – “Hen”

Best Actress: Je-ani Swiegelaar – “My f*k, Marelize!”

Best Feature Film: “The Heart Is a Muscle”

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Leon Schuster – Actor and Filmmaker

Vinette Ebrahim – Actress

Marida Swanepoel – Former kykNET channel head, scriptwriter and producer