Shogun actress Anna Sawai has just made history at the 76th Emmy Awards. Sawai became the first Asian actress to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for her prolific performance in the period drama.
Not only Asian, but Sawai is the first Japanese actress to win the prestigious award in the lead category.
Sawai garnered worldwide recognition with her outstanding performance as Toda Mariko, a translator of Lord Yoshii Toranaga in James Clavell’s historical epic.
Stepping on the stage to accept the trophy, Sawai’s emotions were visible. In her acceptance speech, the actress said, “I was crying before my name was announced; I’m a mess today.”
She went on to thank creators of the historical epic Rachel Kondo and Justin Mark, “for believing in me and giving me this role of a lifetime.”
Giving the credit for her success to her mother, Sawai said, “You are the reason I’m here.”
She adds in her speech, “You showed me stoicism and that’s how I was able to portray Mariko. This is to all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example for everyone.”
Sawai, the first-time nominee, took the coveted trophy home beating the fellow nominees: Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show), Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age), Imelda Staunton (The Crown), Maya Erskine (Mr. and Mrs. Smith) and Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show).
Not only Sawai, but her co-star and lead actor in the drama series, Hiroyuki Sanada became the first Japanese actor to win an Emmy for lead actor in a drama category. Also, Sanada is the only second Asian actor to win the coveted prize in the category in Emmy history.
“I’m beyond honoured to be here with amazing nominees,” said Sanada in his acceptance speech, “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.”
Shogun is the most honoured show in Emmys history. The Japanese period drama shattered all the records at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys held on September 7 and 8, winning 14 trophies. At the main ceremony, the show won three awards in major categories- Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Drama Series, taking the awards tally to 17 for the Japanese drama.
The 76th Emmy Awards is streaming live in India on Lionsgate Play.