Hiroyuki Sanada Makes History at the 2024 Emmy Awards: A New Milestone for Japanese Actors

On September 15, 2024, Hiroyuki Sanada achieved a historic victory at the 2024 Emmy Awards, becoming the first Japanese actor to win the award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series. This prestigious honor was bestowed upon him for his powerful performance as Yoshii Toranaga in the FX series Shōgun.

Sanada’s win not only highlights his exceptional talent but also marks a significant moment for Japanese actors on the global stage. During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Sanada expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I’m beyond honored to be here with amazing nominees… Shōgun taught me that when people work together, we can create miracles and build a better future together.” His words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity in the world of entertainment.

This achievement is particularly notable as Sanada becomes only the second Asian actor to receive this distinguished award, following Lee Jung-jae’s groundbreaking win for Squid Game in 2022. Sanada’s victory highlights the increasing diversity in American television and cinema, further bridging cultural gaps between East and West.

In addition to Sanada’s personal success, Shōgun dominated the evening with a total of 18 Emmy awards, including the highly coveted title of Outstanding Drama Series. This makes it the most awarded show in a single season, demonstrating the global appeal of the story and the exceptional performances of its cast.

Sanada’s co-star, Anna Sawai, also made history by winning Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series, another monumental achievement for Japanese actors at the Emmys. Together, Sanada and Sawai’s victories signal a new era of representation for Japanese talent in international entertainment.