The 2026 Feather Awards brought a dazzling celebration of LGBTQ+ achievement, activism and community to Johannesburg on Thursday night, with celebrities, creatives, politicians and advocates gathering at Melrose Arch for 18th “Signature Edition”.
The evening opened with glamorous red carpet arrivals, showcasing memorable looks and local fashion, before media personalities Zizo Beda, Khaya Dladla and Lula Odiba hosted the awards ceremony.
Among the highlights were the presentation of the prestigious Simon Nkoli Award to Feather Awards co-founder Baby Joe Correira, and a moving posthumous tribute to the late Maria McCloy, whose Designer of the Year Award was renamed in her honour.
The ceremony also celebrated queer love, with filmmakers Fanney Tsimong and Nhlanhla Ndaba recognised for their 27-year partnership, and featured an announcement by co-founder Thami Willis that he was stepping aside from the awards.
The night culminated in a vibrant musical tribute to queer icon Brenda Fassie. (All the winners and full report here.)
Take a look at some of the memorable moments, red carpet looks and highlights from the 2026 Feather Awards.
