Hiroyuki Sanada created history as he won Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the 2024 Emmys. With this win, he became the first Japanese actor and the only second Asian actor to ever win in the category in Emmy history.
Accepting his award at the Emmys, Hiroyuki said, “I’m beyond honoured to be here with amazing nominees. Thank you to FX, Disney and Hulu for believing in me. Thank you to my team for always supporting me, and thank you to all the cast and crew of Shogun. I’m so proud of you. It was an east meets west dream project with respect. Shogun taught me that when people work together we can make miracles. We can create a better future together.”
Hiroyuki Sanada registers historic win
Hiroyuki was presented with the award by Steven Yeun.
Hiroyuki Sanada won the award for Best Lead Actor for his role as Yoshii Toranaga in Shogun. Shogun registered a massive number of wins at the Emmys. After winning 14 awards, it became the most-awarded show in a single season at the Creative Arts Emmys.
Notably, Anna Sawai, who portrays Toda Mariko, also won the Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The series received a total of 25 Emmy nominations.
Shogun is a tale of warring dynasties in feudal Japan. It is an epic based on James Clavell’s historical fiction. Though produced by Disney-owned FX, and shot in Canada, it features a primarily Japanese cast and subtitles, making it only the second non-English-language show to earn a best drama nomination, after South Korea’s Squid Game.
The 76th Emmy Awards is streaming live in India on Lionsgate Play.