LilWin Bags Top Honors at 15th Ghana Movie Awards as Deyemi Okanlawon Reflects on Early Struggles

The 15th edition of the Ghana Movie Awards, held on June 7, 2026, at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, showcased the best of African cinema with Ghanaian star Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as LilWin, and Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon emerging as the night's standout figures. The prestigious ceremony brought together industry heavyweights from across the continent to celebrate cinematic excellence, honoring both current achievements and the enduring legacies of those who have shaped the film landscape in West Africa.

LilWin secured the high-profile 'Best Actor in a Leading Role' award along with two additional accolades, cementing his status as a powerhouse in Ghanaian filmmaking. Despite his significant haul, the actor was notably absent from the event. His management team, Wezzy Empire, later issued a formal apology explaining that a prior professional commitment had prevented his attendance. In their statement, the management expressed deep respect for the awards and emphasized a call for greater industry support for both emerging and established talents to help elevate Ghanaian cinema to new heights.

Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon provided one of the most emotional highlights of the evening while accepting the award for Best African Collaboration for his role in the film 'Sukura'. In a moving acceptance speech, Okanlawon recounted his first visit to the awards in 2015, revealing that he had to dance all night at an after-party because he lacked the funds for a hotel room. This win marked his first award at the Ghana Movie Awards after three previous attendances, serving as a powerful testament to perseverance and the importance of dreaming big despite humble beginnings.

The night also featured a poignant tribute segment honoring late actress Beverly Afaglo, alongside recognitions for Nigerian actor Alexx Ekubo and legendary musician Daddy Lumba. Other major winners included Nana Ama McBrown, who was named Favourite Movie Actress of the Year, and Dr Likee, who was recognized for his significant contributions to the industry. The presence of stars like Juliet Ibrahim and James Gardiner further highlighted the strong bond between the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries, reinforcing the event's role as a vital platform for cross-border artistic recognition.