A Ghananian film maker, actor, motivational speaker and script writer, Benjamin Kwadey has been adjudged as the winner of the best actor award at the 2026 Los Angeles Reel Film Festival ( Fall session)
The young actor got the highly coveted award for his compelling performance in the Ghanaian film DROWNING which was directed by the duo of Daniel Okpe Hooper and William Koko Agbeti.
An elated Benjamin Kwadey who was a resident at the October/November 2025 session of the Ebedi International Writers Residency, Iseyin, Nigeria broke the news of his achievement during a ‘thank you’ visit to Dr Wale Okediran, Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association ( PAWA) in his Accra office on Monday, October 19 2026.
In addition to Kwadey’s award, DROWNING a film about depression, also garnered four other prizes: Best Narrative film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and the Best original score.
According to Kwadey, his international recognition is not merely a personal achievement; it is another testament to the extraordinary acting talent emerging from Ghana and the growing influence of African storytelling on the global cinematic stage.
The award winning actor gave kudos to Dr Okediran for creating an enabling environment at the Ebedi Writers Residency where young African creatives are given the opportunity to hone their skills.
In his reaction, Dr Okediran congratulated Benjamin for his remarkable achievement which is a great testimony to the enormous talents that abound among African creatives.
Benjamin Kwadey who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with a focus on Film and Television from the School of Performing Arts, the University of Ghana, Legon, is currently working on his forthcoming film project; THE GOLDEN CHAIN ON GALAMSEY which he wrote during his stay at the Ebedi International Writers Residency.
The picture showed Benjamin Kwadey with Dr Wale Okediran during Benjamin’s visit to PAWA House, Accra, Ghana
