Shogun’s Anna Sawai makes history with Emmy Award win: ‘I was crying before my name was announced’

Japanese actress Anna Sawai is the first actress of Asian descent to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

The historic moment took place during the 76th Annual Ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, when Sawai won the grand prize in the category for her performance in the FX on Hulu series Shogun.

The actress looked stunning in a red dress with her long, raven-black locks pulled back in a slicked-back style, wiping away tears of joy as she walked onto the stage to accept her trophy.

“I was crying before my name was called,” Sawai, 32, confessed as she took the stage. “I’m a mess today.”

The Wellington, New Zealand-born but Japanese-raised woman plays Toda Mariko in the historical drama. She is an intelligent, noblewoman with a strong loyalty to Toranaga, while working as an interpreter between Toranaga and Blackthorne.

‘Thanks Justin [Marks] and Rachel [Kondo] “For believing in me and giving me this great role,” Sawai, 32, said as she expressed her gratitude.

Thanks to all the crew and cast led by Hiro [Sanada]’, the actress continued. ‘He really opened doors, and continues to open doors, for people like me. Thank you so much.’

She concluded her speech of thanks with a nod of appreciation to her mother.

‘Finally, I want to thank my team and my family. Mom, I love you, you are the reason why I am here. You showed me stoicism, and that’s how I was able to portray myself [Toda] “Mariko,” Sawai said as more tears flowed.

She concluded: ‘This is for all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example to everyone. Thank you so much.’

Based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell, Shōgun was created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks and comprised 10 episodes that aired on FX on Hulu from February 27 to April 23.

Due to its early success and widespread praise for the direction, script, visuals, production, source material, and performances of the cast, a second and third season are now in development.

Not only did Sawai make history, the series also became the first Japanese-language series to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, ultimately winning 18 of its 25 Emmy nominations.

Sawai rose to fame in Japan as one of the lead vocalists of the girl group Faky from 2013 to 2018.

She would return to acting with supporting roles in the Japanese mystery series Colors (2018) and the British crime thriller series Giri/Haji (2019).

Her international breakthrough came with the role of Elle in F9 (2021), the ninth installment in the Fast & Furious film franchise.

She received further recognition for her role in the Apple TV+ drama series Pachinko (2022–present), the MonsterVerse series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023–present), and for her portrayal of Mariko in the FX historical drama series Shōgun (2024).