Fashion designer Amahle Mrogoza, actors Avumile Qongqo, Liyabona Mroqoza, and executive producer Anele Mdoda
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South African stars from the film “The Last Ranger” shined bright on the 97th Academy Awards red carpet in Los Angeles in outfits that celebrated their heritage.
The film “The Last Ranger” a production by Kindred Films was nominated in the Best Live Action Short Film category. The award was won by “I’m Not a Robot”.
The movie's actors Avumile Qongqo, Liyabona Mroqoza, and executive producer Anele Mdoda dazzled in their outfits that drew from the Xhosa culture.
Mdoda wore a red and black dress by designer Asanda Madyibi. This is not Mdoda’s first time at the Academy Awards in 2019 and 2020, Mdoda hosted the Oscars red carpet for M-Net.
"The New York Times said they wanted us to win, Deadline called us to win, and The Hollywood Reporter also said it’s us. So we may have lost, but I think we've won the film industry's hearts,” said Mdoda.
South Africans have taken to social media to congratulate the film for flying the flag high and proudly.
”The Last Ranger” has received multiple accolades. This includes Best Narrative Short Film at the Pan African Film Festival, the San Diego International Film Festival and Cordillera Film Festival.
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14-year-old Liyabona made her acting debut in the isiXhosa movie and went for a fun, black dress with white stripes for her debut on the Oscars red carpet. For her hair, she had bantu knots that complemented her look.
Qongqo made sure to stand out for her moment on the Oscars red carpet dressed in a yellow dress that stood out from the crowd.
The film co-produced by Mdoda and her company Rose & Oaks Media, may not have brought the coveted award home but has been successful in igniting conversations around vital issues, particularly rhino poaching, and showcased the remarkable talent within South Africa’s film industry.
“ ‘The Last Ranger’ may have lost out on the Oscar, but I think that as a country, as a continent, and as an industry focused on conservation, we've absolutely won. The awareness for rhino poaching is at an all-time high, which is ultimately wildlife—the only thing that we have over the rest of the world.
“So to stand on an international stage and be considered amongst the best for such a wonderful piece of work, written by David Lee and directed by Cindy Lee, and brilliantly acted by Avumile Qongqo and Liyabona Mroqoza, I think it's a win.