Trailblazing African Talent – Ghanaian Casting Director Mawuko Kuadzi Lands Historic Dual Nominations at the 40th Artios Awards

The Casting Society of America has revealed the nominees for the distinguished 40th Annual Artios Awards, celebrating exceptional casting directors worldwide. Among this year’s honorees, Ghanaian casting director Mawuko Kuadzi has made history as the first West African to earn dual nominations.

Mawuko Kuadzi  has been nominated for his casting work on the global television series ‘Nana Akoto‘ and the NFL Super Bowl commercial ‘Born to Win.’

He is the founder of MK Casting, Ghana’s first professional casting company, and has pioneered advancements within the African entertainment industry. Through his role as co-founder of The Africa Monologue Challenge, a Pan-African initiative fostering creative talent, Mawuko Kuadzi has become a champion for African artists in the global creative economy, promoting African storytelling and expression on a worldwide stage.

The 40th Artios Awards ceremony will be held on February 12, 2025, recognizing achievements across film, television, theatre, and commercials in venues in Los Angeles, New York, and London, underscoring the awards’ global significance.

Mawuko Kuadzi, currently based in New York as he explores further film industry opportunities, will attend the New York ceremony, underscoring his commitment to elevating African talent internationally.

Reflecting on his nominations, Kuadzi expressed a sense of pride in representing Africa at this prestigious level. “I am deeply honoured by this recognition,” he stated. “My main goal has never been about award nominations but rather to give my best to each project and pursue excellence. Recognition naturally follows when the quality of the work is evident. I’m immensely grateful to the Artios Awards organizers for acknowledging my work from Ghana. It is a powerful reminder that excellence transcends boundaries. I dedicate this nomination to the Almighty and to the MK Casting team, whose dedication has been instrumental in this achievement.”

The Artios Awards, founded by the Casting Society of America (CSA) in 1985, are among the few honours that recognize the essential yet often unseen contributions of casting directors in film, television, theatre, and commercials. The term “Artios,” derived from the Greek word meaning “perfectly fitted” or “complete,” reflects the CSA’s mission of aligning talent with roles with precision and vision.

Kuadzi’s dual nominations emphasize his role as a prominent casting director from Ghana, highlighting his commitment to bringing authentic African narratives and talent to a global audience. As the first West African to earn this distinction, his recognition signals a significant step forward for African representation in media. His efforts through MK Casting and The Africa Monologue Challenge continue to shine a spotlight on African talent, marking a pivotal moment for increased inclusion of African voices within the international entertainment landscape.

In response to Kuadzi’s nominations, Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, president of the African Chamber of Content Producers, expressed appreciation to the Artios Awards committee for recognizing African talent on a global platform. “By honoring Mawuko Kuadzi, the Artios Awards acknowledges the evolving casting landscape and the importance of diverse storytelling,” he said. “This recognition endorses Kuadzi’s efforts to connect African stories with international audiences, fostering a greater appreciation of Africa’s creative potential.”

View the full list of The Artios Awards nominees here.