In a star-studded ceremony held on Saturday, January 17, at the Accra International Conference Center, Mawuko Kuadzi, a forerunner in Africa’s creative industry, was honoured with the prestigious title of Outstanding Casting Director of the Year at the Ghana Movie Awards 2024.
Mawuko Kuadzi, CEO of MK Casting and a prominent figure in African cinema, was celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the continent’s creative economy, particularly in discovering and nurturing talent.
Mawuko Kuadzi’s award reflects his exceptional contributions to the African creative economy, particularly his groundbreaking work in casting. Known affectionately as “MK,” he has become a pivotal figure in African cinema, identifying and nurturing talent while elevating the art of casting to international standards. As the only West African member of the esteemed Casting Society of America and the International Casting Directors Association (ICDA), Mr. Kuadzi’s influence extends far beyond Ghana’s borders. He also serves on the ICDA’s board, further amplifying his role as a global ambassador for African talent.
Mr. Kuadzi is not only the visionary behind MK Casting, Ghana’s premier casting company, but also the CEO and co-founder of the Africa Monologue Challenge (AMC).
The ambitious Pan-African initiative, now in its third edition, has been instrumental in uniting Africa’s creative economy to project a positive narrative of the continent through storytelling. Under Mr. Kuadzi’s leadership, the AMC has discovered and mentored talented actors across Africa, providing them with platforms to elevate their craft and shine on the international stage.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Kuadzi expressed profound gratitude to the organizers of the Ghana Movie Awards and praised his dedicated team for their unwavering support in pushing boundaries.
“This recognition is in recognition of the power of collaboration and the guidance of God in my journey,” he said.
Other notable winners at the 2025 Ghana Movie Awards included: Harold Roger Quartey, Outstanding Producer of the Year, Jim Iyke (Nigeria), Outstanding African Actor, Ramsey Nouah’s Tokunbo, Best African Movie Collaboration, and Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Best Cameo Actor
Honorees such as John Dumelo, James Gardner, and David Dontoh were also acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to the African film industry.
This year’s Ghana Movie Awards underscored the growing influence of African cinema on the global stage, celebrating individuals and projects that continue to redefine the narrative of the continent through creativity and innovation.