To mark the midpoint of 2026, Plot Twist Picks has rounded up ten 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.
Launched during Africa Month, Plot Twist Picks has curated over 300 acclaimed African films to stream on YouTube. Subscribe here for handpicked African films every Tuesday and Thursday.
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 (Animated Short)
Stream on YouTube.
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)
Stream on YouTube.
PATIENCE | Senegal
As Moudou attempts to emigrate from Senegal, his patience and resilience are tested. He is sustained by hope for what lies ahead and memories of what came before.
- Winner: Graphite Pencil, D&AD
Stream on YouTube.
DEATH IN DUBAI | Uganda & Diaspora
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 Journalism Award (Current Affairs: International)
Stream on YouTube.
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 its 4,500 rock art paintings.
- Nominated: Webby Awards (Documentary)
Watch the trailer on YouTube.
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 Awards (Outstanding Social Issue Documentary)
Stream on YouTube.
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
Stream on YouTube.
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 Award, Cannes Lions.
Stream on YouTube.
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)
Stream on YouTube.
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
Stream on YouTube.
Stream Plot Twist Picks’ expanded 20-film playlist of Africa’s 2026 awards contenders on YouTube.