Ghanaian casting director and CEO of MK Casting, Mawuko Kuadzi, has made history as the first African to win the prestigious Artios Award in four decades.
Kuadzi received the Best Casting for a Commercial award at the 40th Artios Awards in the United States for his exceptional work on the NFL Super Bowl commercial, Born to Play.
The Artios Awards, presented annually by the Casting Society of America (CSA), celebrate excellence in casting across film, television, theater, and commercials.
His victory marks a significant milestone for African creatives and raises the bar for the continent’s film and entertainment industry.
Renowned for discovering and nurturing talent, Kuadzi has been instrumental in shaping Ghana’s film industry. His work on the NFL commercial stood out among strong contenders from the U.S. and U.K.
This achievement serves as an inspiration to African creatives, and Kuadzi hopes it will encourage young talents to persevere despite challenges.
“This award belongs to every African creative breaking barriers. It proves that our stories and talents have a place on the global stage. I am grateful to the CSA, my mother, my family, Mr. Danny, the NFL, and the African creative community for their support,” he expressed.
Several notable figures, including Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, have congratulated Kuadzi, acknowledging the significance of his accomplishment for the country’s creative sector.
Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, Executive Director of the African Chamber of Content Producers, emphasized the need for African Union and government support for the creative industry.
“Mawuko Kuadzi’s win demonstrates the strength of African talent. Our leaders must invest in creatives who elevate Africa on the global stage,” he stated, urging African governments, including Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, to collaborate with industry pioneers like Kuadzi.
Veteran African filmmaker Roger Quartey also lauded Kuadzi’s success.
“Mawuko’s historic win proves that with the right support, African talent can excel internationally. This milestone highlights the need for greater investment in the creative arts to ensure African stories continue to captivate and inspire global audiences,” he remarked.