In a groundbreaking moment for television, Anna Sawai made history by becoming the first Asian actress to win the Emmy Award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Her exceptional performance as Mariko in the acclaimed FX series Shogun earned her this prestigious honor.
Win in a Competitive Field
Anna Sawai’s win is a significant milestone, especially considering the competitive field she faced. Other nominees for this category included well-known actresses like Jennifer Aniston from The Morning Show on Apple TV, Carrie Coon from HBO’s The Gilded Age, Maya Erskine from Amazon’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Imelda Staunton from Netflix’s The Crown, and Reese Witherspoon, also from The Morning Show. Sawai’s victory underscores her standout performance and the strong impact of her role in Shogun.
A Heartfelt Acceptance Speech
During her acceptance speech, Sawai conveyed deep gratitude and emotion. She began by thanking those who supported her journey, including FX’s John Landgraf and his team, as well as Justin and Rachel, the creators who believed in her abilities.
“Thank you, John Landgraf and the whole FX team for believing in our story. Thank you, Justin and Rachel, for believing in me and giving me this role of a lifetime,” Sawai said.
Her speech took a personal turn as she expressed her love for her family, particularly her mother. “Lastly, thank you to my team and thank you to my family. Mom, I love you. You are the reason I’m here. You showed me stoicism and that’s how I was able to portray it. This is to all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example for everyone,” she concluded, making the moment even more poignant.
Anna Sawai’s Career Highlights
This Emmy win is a first for Anna Sawai, who also received her first nomination this year. Beyond Shogun, Sawai has appeared in other notable projects including the Apple TV series Pachinko and Monarch, as well as the British crime drama Giri/Haji. Her film credits include roles in F9 and Ninja Assassin.
Shogun’s Remarkable Success
Shogun has made a significant impact this year, receiving 25 Emmy nominations, making it the most-nominated series of the 2024 Emmys. The series, based on James Clavell’s novel inspired by Japanese history, features Sawai as Toda Mariko, a pivotal character in a civil war among Japan’s ruling regents.
Adding to the show’s success, Hiroyuki Sanada, who portrayed Lord Yoshii Toranaga in Shogun, won the Emmy for Best Actor in a Drama Series. This was also Sanada’s first win and nomination, further highlighting the series’ impressive achievements.
A Night to Remember
The 2024 Emmy Awards turned out to be a special night for the team behind Shogun. The historical drama, created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, was honored as Outstanding Drama Series, proving its dominance in this year’s Emmy race. The evening celebrated not just the individual achievements of its stars but also the collective success of a series that captivated audiences and critics alike.
