Benjamin Kwadey, a Ghanaian filmmaker, actor, motivational speaker and scriptwriter, captured the Best Actor award at the 2026 Los Angeles Reel Film Festival (Fall Session) for his performance in the Ghanaian film Drowning. The film, directed by Daniel Okpe Hooper and William Koko Agbeti, also took home four other honors: Best Narrative Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography and Best Original Score.
Kwadey announced the achievement during a thank‑you visit to Dr Wale Okediran, Secretary‑General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), in Accra on Monday, October 19, 2026. He described the recognition as more than a personal triumph, saying it reflected Ghana’s acting talent and the growing global influence of African storytelling.
During his stay at the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Nigeria, in the October/November 2025 session, Kwadey had written his upcoming project, The Golden Chain on Galamsey. He expressed gratitude to Dr Okediran for fostering an environment where young African creatives can develop and refine their skills.
Dr Okediran congratulated Kwadey, calling the award a testament to the wealth of talent among African creatives. Kwadey holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, specialising in Film and Television, from the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts.
