Celebrate a groundbreaking moment in television as Sawai becomes the first Asian woman to win Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her stunning role as Lady Mariko in *Shōgun*.
Anna Sawai is the first Asian actress to have bagged an Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series due to her performance in Shogun. She acted as Mariko. Sawai won this prize at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards which took place in Los Angeles, U.S.A. on September 15, 2024.
Award ceremony
The winner outshined other nominees such as Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. She said in her acceptance speech, expressing thanks to her team and mom: “Mom, I love you. You are the reason I’m here.” In fact, this is her first Emmy nomination and win. Her work so far includes appearances in shows like ‘Pachinko’ and ‘Giri/Haji’ as well as in films like ‘F9’.
This year, Shogun received 25 Emmy nominations-the most of any show. The series is based on a book, written by James Clavell, on Japanese history.
As season 2 approaches, we reflect on her unforgettable character’s tragic exit and explore the possibilities for her return. Will Hollywood find a way to write her back in?
Discover the actress’s thoughts on character deaths, the nature of storytelling, and her excitement for the new season’s direction, which promises to dive deeper into the lives of Toranaga and Blackthorne.
Anna Sawai Emmy role is also key in a civil war in Japan. Hiroyuki Sanada, who played Lord Yoshii Toranaga, also won an Emmy for Best Actor. Sawai’s character will not return in season 2 of Shogun because her character died but she is featured in another historical show, ‘Pachinko’, where she plays Naomi, a Japanese lady with a Korean man. She pointed out that both of her protagonists are tough women who survive in a troubled environment for women in Japan.
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