Spotlight is our bite-size entertainment snapshot featuring new releases in South Africa, exclusive film trailers and more. New episodes come out every Thursday on Sunday Times Lifestyle, Sowetan Entertainment and YouTube, plus you can follow Spotlight on Facebook.
Click here to find previous episodes of Spotlight with all the movie news you need, and follow the show on Facebook for all the latest news and giveaways.
This week Spotlight is covering sound checks and music magic with the 68th Grammy Awards celebrations, a true story on the big screen and “polony distribution” politics in a new local comedy series on Showmax.
Is This Thing On? is based on the true story of comedian John Bishop’s life as a struggling performer facing the failure of his marriage while navigating his creative ambition and the emotional weight of the messy spaces in between. Directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Laura Dern and Will Arnett, the film delivers heartfelt performances and blends subtle humour with emotional realities. At cinemas.
The South African (and Afrikaans) adaptation of the popular award-winning series The Office is garnering big audience applause. Die Kantoor is a workplace mockumentary set at a polony distribution company in Klerksdorp, where low ambition and misguided leadership collide with hilarious outcomes. Starring local legends Albert Pretorius, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Lida Botha and Sipumziwe Lucwaba, the show airs on Sundays on kykNET and is streaming on Showmax.
Turn up the volume with SA showing up proudly again at the 68th Grammy Awards, with Trevor Noah marking his sixth and final time as host. History was also made as SA’s Tyla won her second Grammy for Best African Music Performance for Push 2 Start, claiming her African heritage decisively in her speech. Don’t miss the Spotlight segment featuring the other top wins and history-defining moments and acceptance speeches from the night.
For full interviews, breaking news, trailers and clips, visit our Spotlight Facebook page. See you at the movies.
Presenter Collette Prince is styled and dressed by Claris by Gerrit Pienaar when attending premieres and special events.
Facebook @Claris by Gerrit Pienaar/Instagram: gerritpienaardesigns.
Competition and giveaways
Win with DStv and Showmax and stand in line to win a limited edition DStv 30 Seconds board game, celebrating 30 years of entertainment. Valued at R500.
For full competition details and the question, go to the Spotlight SA Facebook page and DM your answers and contact details by February 12 2026.
Terms and conditions apply.
Winners will be drawn randomly and notified by SMS after the competition has closed. Entrants’ personal details will not be retained for marketing purposes. Winners have to provide proof of age (ID/driving licence) and cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. By entering, participants agree to have their names published on TimesLIVE, SowetanLIVE and Spotlight SA on Facebook. Employees of Arena Holdings and their family members are not eligible to enter.
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