The 10 best African films of 2026 so far, free on YouTube
Including Oscar, Emmy & Webby nominees
To mark the midpoint of 2026, Plot Twist Picks has rounded up 10 of Africa’s biggest awards-season contenders, all available to stream for free on YouTube.
These include 2026 Oscar, Emmy and Webby nominees, alongside winners from the Clios, D&AD and the Royal Television Society Awards.
BUTTERFLY (AKA PAPILLON) | Algeria
This oil painting-style animation is inspired by the true story of Alfred Nakache, a Jewish-Algerian swimmer who competed at the 1936 Olympics - in Nazi Germany.
Nominated: Oscars (Best Animated Short)
THE DEADLY QUEST FOR GOLD IN SOUTH AFRICA | South Africa
After a government crackdown on illegal mining, hundreds of miners were trapped underground in Shaft 11 for months.
Shortlisted: One World Media (Short Documentary)
PATIENCE | Senegal
This migration-themed short film for Grammy nominee DJ Snake features cameos from Omar Sy (Lupin) and Amadou & Mariam.
Winner: Graphite Pencil, D&AD
DEATH IN DUBAI | Uganda
This true-crime documentary investigates the death of a 23-year-old Ugandan influencer in Dubai, as well as the disturbing online trend #DubaiPortaPotty.
Winner: Royal Television Society Television Journalism Award (Current Affairs: International)
AFRICA’S CULTURAL LANDMARKS | Pan-African
These 13 short documentaries reframe the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s African galleries, travelling from Great Zimbabwe to rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia, and from sacred shrines in Nigeria to the Tsodilo Hills in Botswana, nicknamed ‘the Louvre of the desert’ for their 4,500 rock art paintings.
Nominated: Webby Awards (Documentary)
Watch the full series here.
SEARCHING FOR AMANI | Kenya
A 13-year-old aspiring journalist investigates his father’s murder inside one of Kenya’s largest wildlife conservancies: Laikipia.
Nominated: News & Documentary Emmy Award (Outstanding Social Issue Documentary)
LILY | Tunisia
A lonely archivist has his life upended by a doll that triggers his conscience.
Winner: $1 million AI Film Prize from Google and the 1 Billion Followers Summit
IN-BETWEEN | Ethiopia
Omar, a young refugee from Ethiopia, is navigating life in Malta. He lives suspended between two worlds: the home he misses and the one he’s trying to make.
Winner: On the Cusp, 1.4 Awards
Shortlisted: Cannes Lions (Casting)
STAMPEDE | Ghana
Rapper Genesis Owusu returned from Australia to Ghana for the first time in 11 years to film this music video, featuring daredevil local motorbike riders.
Silver: Young Director Awards, Cannes Lions
FLOOD | Nigeria & South Africa
Directed by South African Salomon Ligthelm, Little Simz’ striking black-and-white music video for Flood features Nigerian Obongjayar and South African Moonchild Sanelly in a modern-day fable exploring the tensions between the material and the spiritual.
Bronze: Clio Awards (Directing)
Nominated: Video of the Year, MOBO Awards
Want more?
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Africa’s 2026 awards contenders on YouTube.
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