It was quite the year for FX's Shogun at the 2024 Emmys. This show completely swept with 18 wins out of 25 nominations. This achievement put Japanese dramas on the map as one of the best shows of the year and rippled all over the world.
Big wins in Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress have helped to make the show shine a light on Japanese history in the television world. These 18 Emmy wins are a sign of the work put in by the team behind the series, featuring Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai's performances.
The setting for Shogun is feudal Japan. That, in itself, was a lot of accolades for its authenticity, coupled with great teamwork between the American and Japanese production crews. With rave reviews and a growing fan base, Shogun has left its mark.
What's so monumental about this show? Let's look closer at this series' Emmy wins.
Shōgun’s major Emmy wins
This came at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards as Shogun stole the show by sweeping with 18 wins. It won at the Primetime and Creative Arts Emmy Awards, proving it was a force to reckon with. The peak? It finally won the Outstanding Drama Series award, thus labeling it the top drama series in 2024.
Check out this list of all 18 Emmy wins for Shogun at the 2024 Emmy Awards, including the Primetime and Creative Arts Emmys:
- Outstanding Drama Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series - Hiroyuki Sanada
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Anna Sawai
- Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series - Frederick E.O. Toye
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series - Néstor Carbonell
- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Cinematography for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Production Design for a Period Drama Series
- Outstanding Costume Design for a Period Drama Series
- Outstanding Makeup for a Drama Series (Prosthetic)
- Outstanding Makeup for a Drama Series (Non-Prosthetic)
- Outstanding Hairstyling for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Special Visual Effects
- Outstanding Sound Editing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Stunt Coordination
- Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Editing for a Drama Series
With that haul, it was the most-warded series at the Emmys, beating hits like The Bear. Sanada, who played a strong samurai leader, gave a shout-out to the whole cast and crew in his acceptance speech.
He dedicated his win to them:
"When people work together, we can make miracles".
His co-star, Sawai, gave a heartfelt speech and dedicated her win to her mom:
“Mom, I love you. You showed me stoicism, and that’s how I was able to portray Mariko”.
Impact of Shogun’s wins on Japanese representation
Shogun made a splash that won over critics and audiences worldwide and made waves in the Japanese entertainment scene. The Emmy for Hiroyuki Sanada was a huge win too, since he became the first Japanese actor to take home the award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
The people of Japan could not get more excited about this. Fans and fellow actors were applauding Sanada for this great achievement. Even Kento Kaku, who will play a part in the series Like a Dragon: Yakuza, appreciated his win and mentioned being driven to grab even more roles in Hollywood.
More importantly, however, the good thing is that American TV is becoming diverse as this show takes place in Japan. It has tons of Japanese dialogues and celebrates Japan's culture. Impressive, especially when you consider the 1980 version of the show won three Emmys out of 14 nominations.
In his acceptance speech, Sanada talked about how important it is to keep Japanese cinema alive and promote it, recognizing the legacy behind it:
"The passion and dreams we inherited traveled across the seas and crossed borders".
Not to mention how meaningful Sanada's win was, especially with him coming from Japan, and crossing to Hollywood. It all paid off. This success has brought attention to Japan's jidaigeki (period drama) genre and resonated worldwide.
Where to watch Shōgun?
If you haven't seen this Emmy-winning series yet, you'll find the entire first season on Hulu and Disney+ to binge-watch. Run for 10 episodes between February and April 2024, you can step into the world of feudal Japan at your whim.
So, if you enjoy historical dramas or want to know what made that series win some of those trophies at the Emmys, Shogun is worth a watch. Also, catch the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, with Shogun taking top spots, on Hulu.
