Hiroyuki Sanada, a seasoned actor, has made history by winning the award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the Emmys for his portrayal of Yoshii Toranaga in FX’s series, Shogun. This achievement is significant as Sanada is the first Japanese actor and only the second Asian actor ever to win this prestigious award. The Hollywood Reporter has reported on this groundbreaking accomplishment, which has brought Sanada to the forefront of television recognition.
During his acceptance speech, Sanada expressed his overwhelming gratitude for the honour, thanking FX, Disney, Hulu, his team, and the cast and crew of Shogun. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and unity in creating a better future, highlighting the significance of the East-meets-West dream project that was Shogun. The event that was live-streamed in India added to the excitement and celebration of Sanada’s success on September 15.
Sanada’s victory is further elevated by the success of Shogun as a record-breaking series, having accumulated a total of 14 awards at the Creative Arts Emmys just the previous weekend. The show’s co-star, Anna Sawai, also received an Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series, contributing to the total count of 25 nominations for Shogun. Sanada’s win marks a historic moment in television, following in the footsteps of Lee Jung-jae’s win for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2022 for Squid Game.
Notably, Sanada’s win is a significant milestone as it represents the first acting award from the TV Academy for a performance in a non-English language role, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This recognition further solidifies Sanada’s place in television history and highlights the diversity and representation that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the industry.
The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards came a week after the Creative Arts Emmys and celebrated a return to form after delays caused by previous strikes and interruptions. The awards ceremony provided a platform for recognizing excellence in television, with Sanada’s win standing out as a notable moment in the history of the Emmys and the broader television landscape.
