Soap operas to be rewarded in industry competition

Modise, a soapie star, says, "We are a nation who lives for our daily dose of soap opera action. We invest in the lives of our favourite characters...their storylines dominate our conversations. However, we have never given these players a platform to be celebrated and recognised, until now."

Nominees will be announced on 19 September. From here, entrants will be adjudicated by a panel of judges selected for their expertise, experience and knowledge of the soapie environment. The awards evening takes place on 2 November 2013 at the Durban International Convention Centre.

Loyal fans will determine who goes home the winner of the Best Soapie of the Year and to honour players who have helped grow the industry, the awards steering committee will give the Lifetime Achievement Award to a pioneering performer.

Government partners

Partners in the awards include the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Arts and Culture and the City of Durban.

Lethukuthula Mtshali, head of communications from the Department of Arts and Culture, says, "The awards align perfectly with the department's vision to help stimulate and support sectors that contributes significantly to social cohesion, nation building and economic empowerment. We support and endorse these types of initiatives where we can congregate to celebrate, acknowledge and reward those hard-working members of the soap opera industry."

Head of Durban Tourism, Phillip Sithole adds, "We are proud to host an event that will undoubtedly rival any other local industry awards. In addition to boosting our travel and tourism sectors, we look forward to showing visitors the magic, beauty and culture of our incredible city."

Categories

• Lead Roles
o Outstanding Lead Actor
o Outstanding Lead Actress
o Outstanding Male Villain
o Outstanding Female Villain
o Outstanding Soapie

• Supporting Roles
o Outstanding Supporting Actor
o Outstanding Supporting Actress
o Outstanding Couple
o Outstanding Newcomer

• Creative Awards
o Outstanding Make-Up & Hair
o Outstanding Set Design
o Outstanding Writing Team
o Outstanding Wardrobe

• Technical Awards
o Outstanding Art Direction
o Outstanding Directing Team
o Outstanding Editing Team
o Outstanding Casting Director
o Outstanding Lighting

• Public Vote Category
o Most Popular Soapie of the Year

• Lifetime Achievement Award

Follow on Facebook: SoapieAwards, Twitter: @SoapieAwards #soapieawards or www.youtube.com/user/SoapieAwards.