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

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

As an ardent fan, I am absolutely thrilled and moved by Anna Sawai‘s historic victory at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards! The grace, humility, and sheer talent she displayed that night were nothing short of breathtaking.


Japanese actress Anna Sawai recently made history as the first actress of Asian ancestry to receive a Primetime Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

On Sunday evening at the 76th annual event held at the Peacock Theater downtown LA, the significant occasion unfolded as Sawai clinched the top prize in her category, recognizing her outstanding performance on the Shōgun series streamed on FX and Hulu.

With a breathtaking appearance in a crimson dress and her long, sleek hair tied neatly away from her face, the actress gracefully walked towards the stage, dabbing at her eyes as she shed joyful tears upon receiving her award.

32-year-old Sawai candidly admitted, “Before hearing my name called, I found myself tearing up.” She went on to add, “Today has left me quite emotional as I stand before you.

A Wellington, New Zealand-born individual, who spent their childhood in Japan, portrays Toda Mariko in the historical drama. This character is an intelligent, noblewoman, who demonstrates unwavering loyalty towards Toranaga while simultaneously functioning as a translator between Toranaga and Blackthorne.

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

Sawai, age 32, expressed appreciation by saying, ‘Many thanks to Justin Marks and Rachael Kondo for their faith in me and offering me an unforgettable part.’ She continued, expressing her gratitude.

I’d like to express my gratitude to each and every member of the crew, cast headed by Hiro Sanada, the actress went on to say. He has been instrumental in creating opportunities, and continues to do so, for individuals such as myself. A big thank you from me!

She would ended her acceptance speech by giving a nod of respect to her mother.

In conclusion, Sawai expressed gratitude towards his team and family. He particularly thanked his mother, expressing his love for her and acknowledging her role in his life. She instilled stoicism within him, which helped him embody the character of [Toda] Mariko. As more tears flowed, he continued to speak.

She summarized, ‘To all the women who ask for nothing yet serve as inspiring examples, thank you immensely.’

The television series titled “Shōgun,” adapted from James Clavell’s novel of the same name, was developed by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks. This 10-episode long show aired on FX and Hulu from February 27 to April 23.

Thanks to the initial success and universal praise for its direction, scriptwriting, cinematography, technical aspects, storyline, and acting talent, plans are underway for seasons two and three.

As Sawai etched his name in history, the show also marked a groundbreaking achievement by becoming the first Japanese-language series to receive a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series. Eventually, it went on to win an impressive 18 out of its 25 Emmy nominations.

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

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

In 2018 and 2019, she resumed her acting career by taking on supporting parts in the Japanese mystery series “Colors” and the British crime thriller series “Giri/Haji.

Her significant global debut occurred through her portrayal of Elle in F9 (2021), which is the ninth movie within the Fast & Furious series.

She earned additional acclaim for her performances in the Apple TV+ drama series Pachinko (2022-present), the MonsterVerse series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023-present), and as Mariko in the FX historical drama series Shōgun (2024).

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2024-09-16 10:03

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