The countdown to the most fabulous event on the South African calendar has officially begun! The Feather Awards, the premier celebration of excellence and influence within the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, is thrilled to announce the nominees for its spectacular seventeenth edition.
This year’s ceremony is set to dazzle on Thursday, 6 November 2025, returning to an iconic Johannesburg, soon-to-be-revealed location that promises to be the heart of the celebration. In a world that often feels like it’s moving too fast, Feather Awards XVII invites everyone to embrace the 2025 theme: Pause, Look, and Listen to your Heart.
It’s a sultry, soulful call to slow down, connect with our inner truth, and celebrate the courage it takes to live authentically.
This year’s structure has been refined to amplify both legacy and rising stars. Seven categories will be honoured for their profound impact, while the remaining awards will be hotly contested by a dazzling list of nominees who have lit up our screens, airwaves, and social media feeds over the past year.
"While we love the glamour and the fashion, the Feather Awards have always been the heartbeat of a movement. In a time where the global environment for queer people is increasingly challenging, our role in fostering crucial dialogue, driving awareness, and advocating for tangible policy change is more vital than ever. We are a platform that doesn't just celebrate; we agitate, educate, and work towards a safer and more equitable South Africa for all." emphasised co-founder Thami Dish that the Feathers are far more than just a glittering event.The Feather Awards celebrates the personalities and productions that have not only entertained the nation but have also moved the needle forward for representation and inclusivity.
The Feather Awards 2025 extends a massive congratulations to all the nominees!
Hunk of the Year
Troy Malange
FreshbyCaddy
Prince Beez
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
Lilian Dube
Kefilwe Mabote
Jojo Robinson
Hot Chick of the Year
Natasha Joubert
Luyanda Zuma
Caylene
Social Media Personality of the Year
Zaca Dominic
Shoun B
Thobi Mashitiso
Best Styled Individual
Kagiso Mogola
Mordecai
Mawhoo
Sports Personality of the Year
Refiloe Jane
Andile Dlamini
Dirkie Chamberlin
Musician of the Year
Nkosazana Daughter
Craig Lucas
Mawhoo
Fag Hag of the Year
Busiswa (Honorary Recipient)
Role Model of the Year
Lee-che Janecke (Honorary Recipient)
Media Award of the Year
Netflix (Honorary Recipient)
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Public Sector
The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill (Honorary Recipient)
Global Feather of the Year
Jacqueline Kasha (Uganda)
Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement
Zandile Mabaso (Honorary Recipient)
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Private Sector
Nedbank #PrideAtWork (Honorary Recipient)
African Feather of the Year
John Meletsi
Simon Nkoli Award
Luiz De Barros
Join us for a night filled with glitz, glamour, and the radiant colors of our community, celebratiing the extraordinary individuals who are making a difference in the community!
