‘Shogun’ Star Anna Sawai Becomes First Asian Performer to Win Emmy for Lead Drama Actress

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of cinematic artistry, I must say that Anna Sawai‘s Emmy victory is a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring actors everywhere, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her journey to this pinnacle of success, marked by her first nomination and subsequent win, serves as a testament to the power of determination, talent, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.


Anna Sawai clinched the Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for the FX show “Shogun,” making her the inaugural winner of this category from an Asian background.

In her win, Sawai surpassed other contenders such as Jennifer Aniston from Apple TV+’s “The Morning Show”, 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 from Apple TV+’s “The Morning Show”.

Sawai expressed gratitude towards the “Shogun” team, but also acknowledged her mom as her source of inspiration. She thanked John Landgraf and the entire FX team for their faith in our story, and praised Justin and Rachel for having confidence in her and offering her a once-in-a-lifetime role. This was stated by her.

In conclusion, a heartfelt thank you goes out to my team and family. Mom, I adore you more than words can say. You are my inspiration and it’s your strength and stoicism that allowed me to embody it. This message is also for all the remarkable women who silently persevere and serve as a beacon of resilience for everyone. With gratitude, Sawai signed off.

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This was Sawai’s inaugural Emmy nomination and victory. Besides these, her other works encompass the Apple TV+ shows “Pachinko” and “Monarch,” along with the British crime series “Giri/Haji.” She has also appeared in movies such as “F9” and “Ninja Assassin.

As a discerning movie critic, I must express my admiration for the captivating series “Shogun” this year, garnering a remarkable 25 Emmy nominations, setting it apart as the most-nominated production of this Emmy season. This masterpiece is an adaptation of the renowned novel by James Clavell, a work deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of actual Japanese history.

Initially planned as a miniseries, it emerged in May that FX was planning to enter “Shogun” for award nominations in the drama series category, suggesting they wanted to create additional seasons. Shortly following this announcement, FX revealed they were teaming up with the Clavell estate and creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo to develop further two seasons of the show.

See all the Emmy winners here.

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2024-09-16 14:16