FX’s Hit Samurai Series Makes History with Multiple Wins
FX’s historical drama Shogun dominated the 2024 Emmy Awards, securing a record number of wins and making history for Asian representation. The series took home top honors, including Best Drama Series, Best Actress in a Drama Series for Anna Sawai, Best Actor in a Drama Series for Hiroyuki Sanada, and Best Drama Directing.
This triumph marks a significant milestone for both FX and the entertainment industry. Shogun is the first majority non-English-language series to win in the outstanding drama series category, and Sanada and Sawai are the first Japanese actors to win Emmys. The series’ success highlights the growing recognition and appreciation for Asian talent on the global stage.
Speaking backstage, Sanada expressed his gratitude for the win and reflected on his journey in the entertainment industry. He acknowledged the historical significance of his accomplishment and expressed hope for future generations of Asian actors.
Sawai also shared her emotions and excitement about the win, acknowledging the mixed emotions and anxiety she felt during the awards ceremony.
While Shogun celebrated numerous victories, it also faced some losses. Billy Crudup won Best Supporting Actor over Tadanobu Asano, and the series’ writers room lost in the drama writing category.
Shogun is the second television adaptation of James Clavell’s best-selling novel. The series’ success has prompted Disney to greenlight two additional seasons, allowing the story to continue. The creative team is now focused on developing new storylines and building upon the series’ momentum.
