SUKURA: The Home Coming, sweeps Ghana Movie Awards 2026

The 15th Ghana Movie Awards reached a fever pitch on Sunday night as the nation’s film industry gathered to celebrate a year of exceptional storytelling.

While the competition was fierce, one name echoed through the auditorium more than any other: SUKURA: The Home Coming.

In what can only be described as a historic clean sweep, the cinematic masterpiece secured the night’s most prestigious honour—Best Picture—alongside several major technical and performance awards, solidifying its status as a landmark achievement in African cinema.

A Historic Sweep

From the moment the nominations were announced, SUKURA: The Home Coming was the frontrunner, praised by critics for its raw emotional depth, stunning visuals, and profound exploration of Ghanaian identity. As the evening unfolded, it became clear that the film had resonated deeply with both the academy and the public.

The climax of the ceremony occurred when the cast and crew took to the stage to accept the Best Picture award.

The film, which tells a poignant story of resilience and heritage, was lauded for its high production values and its ability to compete on a global scale.

Industry experts are calling SUKURA’s win a turning point for the “New Wave” of Ghanaian cinema. The film’s success is a testament to the growing calibre of local talent and increasing investment in high-quality storytelling within the region.

By the end of the ceremony, Sukura had secured victories in the following categories:

• Best Picture — SUKURA produced by Janet Ayesu and Edmund Dankyi

• Discovery of the Year — Janet Ayesu in SUKURA

• A Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role — Kalsoume in SUKURA

• Achievement in Cinematography — Kofi Asante in SUKURA

• Achievement in Production Design — Godwin Mensah (VEGAS) in SUKURA

• Achievement in Make-up and Hairstyling — Lydia Ashitey in SUKURA

• Best Actor African Collaboration — Deyemi Okalawon in SUKURA

A Night to Remember

Held under the theme “Rewarding African Excellence,” the prestigious event celebrated outstanding achievements across categories while showcasing the growth and impact of African storytelling on the global stage.

The evening began with a dazzling red-carpet session, where actors, filmmakers, influencers, and media personalities displayed an impressive blend of contemporary fashion and traditional Ghanaian aesthetics. Guests arrived in striking ensembles featuring intricate beadwork, bold silhouettes, avant-garde designs, and locally inspired fabrics.

Among the night’s most admired appearances was actress Priscilla Opoku Agyeman, who turned heads in a metallic gold strapless gown with elegant draping and a fitted silhouette. Fashion enthusiast Nana Akua Addo also commanded attention with one of the evening’s most talked-about looks.

While other notable films—such as Virgin of the Throne and Captain Traore—took home awards in supporting categories, the night undoubtedly belonged to the team behind SUKURA: The Home Coming.

In his acceptance speech, the producer dedicated the Best Picture trophy to the “dreamers of Accra and beyond,” emphasising that Ghanaian stories deserve the world’s biggest stages.

As the curtains close on the 2026 ceremony, SUKURA: The Home Coming stands not just as a winner, but as a benchmark for excellence in the years to come.

Recognition of Artistic Excellence

These achievements highlight the film’s artistic excellence, technical innovation, and commitment to authentic African storytelling.

Produced by SamJane Productions under the leadership of filmmaker and Executive Producer Janet Ayesu, SUKURA: The Home Coming continues to resonate with audiences through its powerful themes of identity, family, culture, resilience, and community. The film’s success reflects the dedication of an exceptional cast and crew whose collective efforts brought the story to life.

“This recognition is both humbling and inspiring,” said Janet Ayesu. “Winning these awards is a testament to the hard work, passion, and collaboration of everyone involved in SUKURA: The Home Coming. We are proud to tell stories that celebrate African voices and connect with audiences around the world.”

Co-producer Edmund Dankyi added: “These honours demonstrate the growing impact of African cinema on the global stage. We are grateful to SamJane Productions, the supporters, partners, and audiences who have embraced this film.”

Beyond its award-winning success, SUKURA: The Home Coming continues to expand its reach through streaming and community engagement. One can watch the full film on Tubi, an American over-the-top streaming platform, and it will soon be coming to a theatre near you.

The film’s achievements mark an important milestone not only for its creators but also for the broader movement to elevate African and diaspora storytelling in global entertainment.

Janet Ayesu is an award-winning filmmaker, actress, and executive producer known for developing impactful stories that highlight African and diaspora experiences.

Through her work with SamJane Productions, she is committed to creating opportunities for emerging talent and advancing diverse storytelling across film and digital media.

About SUKURA: The Home Coming

SUKURA: The Home Coming, written by Oheneba Ahenkan Amoah, an award-winning writer, is about an African American who is obsessed with finding his roots in Africa and connecting with his heritage. This powerful feature film explores themes of family, identity, tradition, and resilience. The film has received critical acclaim for its storytelling, performances, cinematography, and production excellence.

Full List of Winners – Ghana Movie Awards 2026

• Best Picture — SUKURA produced by JANET AYESU and EDMUND DANKYI

• A Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role — AMANDA JISSIH in KONE

• A Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role — KWADWO NKANSA in CAPTAIN IBRAHIM TRAORE

• Discovery of the Year — JANET AYESU in SUKURA

• A Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role — KALSOUME in SUKURA

• Best Short Movie — BEHIND A LIE by JULIET IBRAHIM and BABY SOMETHING — produced and directed by NICOLE AMARTEFIO, JAI GULABRAI

• Casting Director — MAWUKO KUADZI in THE FISHERMEN

• Achievement in Cinematography — KOFI ASANTE in SUKURA

• Achievement in Costume and Wardrobe — GEORGE TAMAKLOE in CAPTAIN TRAORE

• Achievement in Production Design — GODWIN MENSAH (VEGAS) in SUKURA

• Achievement in Music (Original Song) — KING OF TEMA by PASCAL AKA

• Achievement in Music (Original Score) — VIRGIN OF THE THRONE by BERNI ANTI

• Achievement in Sound Mixing and Editing — VIRGIN OF THE THRONE by BERNI ANTI

• Achievement in Visual Effects — THE FISHERMAN by DARIA AMARI SHELTON and NURUDEEN TAHIRU

• Achievement in Make-up and Hairstyling — LYDIA ASHITEY in SUKURA

• Achievement in Editing — KING OF TEMA by KOBINA DE-GRAFT-JOHNSON

• Achievement in Directing — VIRGIN OF THE THRONE by FRANK RAJAH ARASE

• Achievement in Writing, Adapted or Original Screenplay — VIRGIN OF THE THRONE by FRANK RAJA ARASE

• A Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role — ADJETEY ANNAN in VIRGIN OF THE THRONE and MAJID MICHEL in VIRGIN OF THE THRONE

• Best Actress African Collaboration — SYNDY EMADA in VIRGIN OF THE THRONE

• Best Actor African Collaboration — DEYEMI OKALAWON in SUKURA

• Best Movie African Collaboration — VIRGIN OF THE THRONE by FRANK RAJAH ARASE

• Best Supporting Actress (Drama or Comedy) — RACHEL ANIM ASANTEWAA in OPKOTI THE FISHERMAN

• Outstanding Reality Cooking Show of The Year — Aben Wo Ha — Onua TV — 49% of Votes

• Blogger of the Year '25 — Zionfelix — 24% of Votes

• Outstanding Variety Talk Show of The Year — Onua Showtime — Onua TV — 58% of Votes

• Best Supporting Actor Drama or Comedy — Prince Amoabeng (General Nta Tia) — Makola vrs Kejetia — 45% of Votes

• Lead Actor Drama or Comedy — Louis Lamis — Makola vs Kejetia — 41% of Votes

• Lead Actress Drama or Comedy — Fella Makafui — Anikulapo Series (Netflix) — 62% of Votes

• Favourite Movie Actress of The Year '25 — Nana Ama McBrown — 54% of Votes

• Favourite Movie Actor of The Year '25 — Clemento Suarez — 38% of Votes

• TikTok Influencer & Entertainer of The Year — Chef Abbys — 33% of Votes