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At the 2024 Emmy Awards, FX’s ‘Shōgun’ claimed an astounding 18 wins, including Best Drama Series, setting a new record for the most Emmy wins in a single season. The series, adapted from James Clavell’s iconic 1975 novel, portrays political and social intrigue in 17th-century Japan. ‘Shogun’s victory stands out not just for its quantity of wins but also for its significant cultural milestones.
One of the most talked-about moments of the evening was Anna Sawai’s win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Sawai’s portrayal of Toda Mariko, a Christian noblewoman navigating the treacherous political landscape, made her the first actress of Asian descent to win this prestigious category. In an emotional speech, Sawai acknowledged the show’s creators, Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, as well as the support of her co-stars, particularly Hiroyuki Sanada, who plays Lord Yoshii Toranaga, and Cosmo Jarvis, who portrays shipwrecked explorer John Blackthorne. She dedicated her award to “all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example.”
Sawai’s win is especially significant as she follows in the footsteps of Yôko Shimada, who was nominated for the same role in the 1980s adaptation of ‘Shōgun’. Shimada, however, did not win at that time, making Sawai’s victory even more poignant. Earlier in the year, Ali Wong became the first Asian woman to win an Emmy for a lead role in the Limited Series category for ‘Beef’, adding to this year’s celebration of Asian representation at the Emmys.
Sawai’s win was part of a broader sweep for ‘Shōgun’. Sanada took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and the show also saw wins across technical categories at the Creative Arts Emmys, where it initially broke records with 14 wins. Sanada, who also serves as a producer, praised Sawai’s transformative performance, calling her the only actress capable of embodying the complex role of Mariko.
Sawai’s performance was praised for her depiction of a resilient character who outmaneuvers the most powerful political figures of the era, and her intense preparation for the role included studying the real-life historical figure, Hosokawa Gracia, who inspired Clavell’s character.
With 18 wins, ‘Shōgun’ now holds the record for most Emmys won in a single season, surpassing previous benchmarks and proving its success both critically and commercially. The show’s combination of historical drama, political intrigue, and compelling performances has resonated strongly with Emmy voters and viewers alike. As Sanada noted, ‘Shōgun’ represents not just a remarkable storytelling achievement but also a powerful moment for increased diversity and representation in mainstream television.
Sawai’s other notable work includes performances in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ and ‘Pachinko’, with ‘Shōgun’ now marking a new high point in her already impressive career. Her historic win signals a turning point in Hollywood, showcasing the growing influence of Asian talent in major productions.
In addition to ‘Shōgun’s dominance, the comedy categories saw Max’s ‘Hacks’ take home the top prize for Best Comedy Series. ‘Hacks’ continues to be a favorite, edging out strong competitors like ‘The Bear’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’.
With ‘Shōgun’s triumph and Anna Sawai’s groundbreaking win, the 2024 Emmys will be remembered for ushering in a new era of representation, powerful storytelling, and the breaking of long-standing records.
