Mawuko Kuadzi earns Artios Awards nod for The Fisherman

CASTING director Mawuko Kuadzi has added yet another feather to his cap, earning a nomination in the International Feature category at the prestigious Casting Society of America (Artios Awards).

To Mr Kuadzi, who broke barriers in 2025 as the first African to win an Artios Award in its 40-year history, the latest recognition is more than just personal glory. It’s a proud moment for Ghana’s creative industry.

Sharing the news with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, January 12, the director said the nod which is for his work on The Fisherman  underscores the rise of African storytelling on the global stage.

“This nomination is not just for me, it’s for every Ghanaian and African creative who believes our stories deserve to be seen and heard,” he noted.

Already a landmark figure in casting internationally, Kuadzi’s work has propelled Ghana onto the global creative map.

The Fisherman, a Ghanaian feature has been making waves across the continent.

The film, which recently scooped Best Ghanaian Film title at Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) and saw its lead actor, Ricky Adelayitar  win Best Actor in Africa, is up against strong international competition in the International Feature race.

This year’s category features only three nominees: Kokuho, cast by Japan's Masunobu Motokawa; Sound of Falling, cast by Germany's Karimah El-Giamal; and The Fisherman, cast by Ghana's Mawuko Kuadzi.