Acclaimed Ghanaian filmmaker Lloyd Aboagye is on the cusp of a major breakthrough as his latest directorial effort, KONE: The Depth of Friendship, has secured an impressive 10 nominations at the 2026 Ghana Movie Awards, set to take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra starting at 8:00 p.m.
The nominations mark a significant milestone for Aboagye, who wrote and directed the film under his production banner, Ninth November Films.
Produced by Ella Asante, KONE is a poignant drama that delves into the complexities of friendship, loyalty, honesty, and moral dilemmas within a tight-knit fishing community.
The story follows two young friends whose lives are upended after they discover a mysterious 20 Ghana Cedi note, sparking a conflict that tests the very foundation of their bond.
Strong nominations across the board
KONE’s 10 nominations reflect excellence in both creative and technical departments:
- Best Picture – Produced by Ella Asante
- Discovery of the Year – Lydia Baeta
- Achievement in Editing – Michael Asiedu Anim
- Achievement in Music (Original Score) – George Sedzro
- Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role – Amanda Jissih
- Achievement in Production Design – Felix Hagoe (KanzoGh)
- Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role – Ella Asante
- Achievement in Costume and Wardrobe – Felix Hagoe (KanzoGh)
- Achievement in Writing, Adapted or Original Screenplay – Lloyd Aboagye
- Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role – Eddie Nartey and Kwesi Sarkodie Ofori
The star-studded cast also includes Lord Bentus, Issah Appiah, and others who deliver powerful performances that bring the emotional depth of the story to life.
Trailer for KONE – https://youtu.be/iaPnybZ4yWU
Aboagye’s Vision and Cinematic Journey
Lloyd Aboagye, a Ghanaian-Italian filmmaker and screenwriter, has steadily built a reputation for crafting emotionally grounded, culturally resonant stories.
He made his mark with earlier works such as the writer/director of Newsman (2020), writer credit for Okada (2021) and writer/director of Portraits(2023), the latter of which received acclaim at the 2023 Black Star International Film Festival.
With KONE, filmed primarily in the scenic coastal town of Prampram, Aboagye brings his signature blend of authentic Ghanaian settings, compelling character-driven narratives, and subtle spiritual undertones.
The film’s stunning visuals, captured against the backdrop of fishing boats, beaches, and local life, highlight his keen eye for cinematography and storytelling that resonates deeply with Ghanaian audiences.
“I’m just grateful for the journey,” Aboagye recently shared on social media as the nominations were announced, celebrating the collective effort behind the project.
This recognition comes as a validation of Aboagye’s growth as a filmmaker who consistently prioritizes meaningful stories rooted in Ghanaian realities. Industry observers note that his ability to weave moral questions with engaging drama has positioned KONE as one of the strongest contenders of the awards season.
As the Ghana Movie Awards approach, all eyes will be on the Kempinski Hotel red carpet, where Aboagye and his cast are expected to shine. Whether KONE walks away with multiple trophies or not, the 10 nominations have already cemented its place as a standout Ghanaian production of 2026.
