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Anna Sawai made history at the 2024 Emmy Awards, winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The Shōgun star claimed the prestigious award on Sunday, September 15, surpassing nominees Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age), Imelda Staunton (The Crown), Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show), Maya Erskine (Mr. and Mrs. Smith), and Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show).
"I was in tears before they even called my name—I'm a wreck today," Sawai said as she accepted the honor, becoming the first woman of Asian descent to win in the category. She thanked the Television Academy, Shōgun creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks "for believing in me and giving me the role of a lifetime." She also gave a heartfelt thanks to her family, especially her mother, saying, "Mom, I love you. Your strength helped me embody Mariko."
Sawai won for her portrayal of Toda Mariko, a poised interpreter for Lord Yoshii Toranaga, in FX's Shōgun. Reflecting on her role in an interview earlier this year, she admitted it was hard to let go of the character after filming wrapped. "I thought I was done with her, but when we started press, I realized how much I was still carrying—certain scenes would bring me to tears."
Ahead of the Emmys, Sawai told Vogue that she gifted her mother a Cartier Love ring after finishing Shōgun. "It was my way of thanking her for supporting my career. I didn't get one for myself because it's a luxury, but I wanted to give her something special."
Sawai's win comes alongside notable performances by other nominees. Coon, as Bertha Russell in The Gilded Age, endured long hours in heavy costumes, while Staunton, who portrayed Queen Elizabeth in The Crown, recalled filming during the monarch's passing. Aniston and Witherspoon received nods for their work on The Morning Show, and Erskine for her role in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, opposite Donald Glover.
