The homegrown drama, Spinners, has achieved a significant victory by winning Best Foreign TV Series at the 29th Shanghai TV Festival’s Magnolia Awards, surpassing the Emmy-winning final season of Succession.
The Showmax Original faced tough competition, besting the BAFTA-nominated All Creatures Great and Small Season 4, La Storia — 2024 Series of the Year by The Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists—and Aspergirl, which earned Best Actor for Carel Brown at Series Mania.
The series, co-created by Joachim Landau and showrunner Benjamin Hoffman, follows Ethan (played by breakout star, Cantona James), a 17-year-old driver caught in gang life who discovers spinning (an extreme motorsport) as a potential escape. With a gang war brewing, Ethan must navigate his dangerous world to secure a better future.
Recently released on CANAL+ in France, Spinners is captivating audiences with its unique storytelling and dynamic portrayal of motor sport. French reviews echo the acclaim received in South Africa. Le Figaro praises its exploration of new fictional territories, while Diverto describes it as “absolutely captivating” and “full of suspense.” Télé-Loisirs suggests it surpasses the Fast and Furious saga.
Benjamin Hoffman expressed pride in the recognition.
“This is the first time a South African series has won in Shanghai. We’re very proud.”
Catona James shared his excitement, saying “world, here we are!”
Head writer, Matthew Jankes added, “hopefully awards like this will open doors for more South African productions”.
Spinners also shone at the inaugural Dakar Series, winning Best TV Series and Best Performance for Cantona James.
