Shogun star Anna Sawai becomes first Asian woman to win Best Actress Emmy

In a historic moment at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, Anna Sawai became the first actor of Asian descent to win the Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama, taking home the prestigious honour for her role as Lady Mariko in Shogun.
Sawai’s win came amidst stiff competition, with nominees that included Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show), Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age), Maya Erskine (Mr and Mrs Smith), and Imelda Staunton (The Crown).
Upon taking the stage to accept her award, a visibly emotional Sawai expressed her surprise and gratitude. “I was crying before my name was announced. I’m a mess today,” she said, receiving an outpouring of applause from the audience. She went on to thank the cast and crew of Shogun, singling out her co-star Hiroyuki Sanada. “Thank you to every single one of the crew and the cast led by Hiro (Hiroyuki Sanada). He really has opened doors and continues to open doors for people like me,” said the actor.
Sanada himself made history at the Emmys, previously winning Best Drama Actor for his role in Shogun, making him the first Japanese performer and only the second actor of Asian descent – after Squid Game’s Lee Jung-jae – to win the award in that category.
Sawai concluded her speech with a heartfelt dedication: “This is to all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example to everyone.”
The actor, who also recently won the TCA Award for best individual achievement in a drama, continues to break barriers with her work. Her portrayal of Lady Mariko in FX’s Shogun has been widely praised, solidifying her status as a trailblazing talent in the entertainment industry.
Shogun made history at the Emmys with an impressive 18 awards, including 14 Creative Emmys and 4 Primetime Emmys. Starring Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, the series is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.