Who will be named best newcomer, and which small screen baddies will be able to add the distinction of outstanding male or female to their CVs?
M-Net Mzansi Magic’s Isibaya topped the nominees’ list for the 2015 Royalty Soapie Awards (RSA) for a second year in a row.
The two-year-old soapie was nominated in 18 categories last year and won 10 of them, making it the biggest winner.
This year’s race is poised to be tough and closely fought, with Isibaya and Scandal vying for top honours with 16 nominations each and 7de Laan nipping at their heels with 14 nods.
The awards come a week after the South African Television and Film Awards where the Isibaya team scooped seven trophies, including one for best television soapie for the second year in a row.
Former soapie fan favourite Generations has just one nomination and it is up against Isibaya, 7de Laan, Isidingo, Muvhango, Rhythm City, Scandal, Villa Rosa and Zabalaza for the coveted most popular soapie award.
Its replacement, Generations Legacy, has not been nominated at all.
RSA’s Slindile Xulu said: “Only soapies that were broadcast between July 2013 and July 2014 (the broadcast entry period) are eligible for entry. As such Generations (Legacy) and Skeem Saam fall out of the eligible period. The remaining productions elected not to enter for a variety of reasons.”
The most popular soapie, outstanding lead actor and actress, outstanding villain and best newcomer awards were all open to public voting which closed on Friday.
The judges choose the winners in a further seven categories, including outstanding team, wardrobe and make-up.
“Consumer opinion is also vital. Viewers are the lifeblood of the industry – dedicating hours to watching their beloved shows,” said Xulu.
Eleven of last year’s winners have been nominated.
They include Siyabonga Thwala who plays Mpiyakhe Zungu in Isibaya, and is up for the lead actor award again, as is last year’s Royal Soapie Award lead actress winner, Thembi Nyandeni, who plays Mkabayi Zungu in the same soapie. The ceremony will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban on Saturday.
The Mercury