At the 2024 Emmys, Hiroyuki Sanada made history by becoming only the second actor of Asian descent to win the Emmy for Best Actor in a Drama Series. Sanada’s win, for his portrayal of Lord Yoshii Toranaga in FX’s Shōgun, marked his first nomination and victory in the category. His achievement follows Lee Jung-jae’s groundbreaking win in 2022, who became the first Asian actor to secure this prestigious accolade.
Sanada’s competition was fierce, with notable actors such as Gary Oldman (Slow Horses), Donald Glover (Mr. and Mrs. Smith), and Dominic West (The Crown) also vying for the title. However, Sanada’s nuanced portrayal of Toranaga earned him critical acclaim, with publications like Salon praising his captivating performance, and The New York Times commending his “quiet force and regality.”
#Emmy winner Hiroyuki Sanada, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role on @shogunfx. #Emmys #76thEmmys #TelevisionAcademy pic.twitter.com/tBWefGqRFd
— Television Academy (@TelevisionAcad) September 16, 2024
In another historic win, Anna Sawai became the first Asian actress to win the Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Shōgun. This marks her first nomination and victory in the category. Sawai follows in the footsteps of Sandra Oh, who was previously nominated for the award four times between 2018 and 2022 for Killing Eve, though she never secured the win.
Sawai faced tough competition, including nominees like Imelda Staunton for The Crown, Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon from The Morning Show, Maya Erskine from Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Carrie Coon from The Gilded Age. Sawai’s victory highlights the growing recognition of diverse talent in leading roles.
The night proved to be monumental for Shōgun, which won the Emmy for Best Drama Series. Adapted from James Clavell’s 1975 novel, the historical epic captivated audiences with its portrayal of 17th-century Japan, and its success culminated in a record-breaking Emmy night.
Shōgun not only achieved critical acclaim but also set a record for the number of awards won by a single series in a year. FX’s decision to renew the series for two unexpected seasons further cemented its place in Emmy history, with the show’s sweeping victories serving as a testament to its impact.
Hiroyuki Sanada and Sawai’s historic wins reflect a shift in the television industry, where diverse talent is being increasingly recognized for their contributions to major productions. Sanada, an acclaimed actor with a long and prestigious career in Japan, also received recognition as an executive producer for Shōgun. With multiple Japanese Academy Awards to his name, Sanada continues to build an international legacy.
Sawai’s win, as the first Asian actress to take home the Best Actress Emmy, is equally significant. Her performance in Shōgun solidifies her as a breakout star in a highly competitive category, representing a new wave of talent in global cinema.
Shōgun’s success at the 2024 Emmys marks a significant milestone, both for its cast and for the series itself. With its portrayal of 17th-century Japan, the series resonated with audiences and critics alike, achieving an unprecedented two-season renewal and a historic haul of awards. The combined victories of Hiroyuki Sanada, Sawai, and the series as a whole solidify Shōgun as a landmark production in Emmy history.
