Hiroyuki Sanada won the Emmy for best actor in a drama series for FX's “Shogun” on Sunday night, expressing his gratitude to his team, cast and crew during his acceptance speech.
“Thank you so much. Oh my God. I’m so honored to be here with such amazing nominees,” Sanada began. “Thank you to FX, Disney, and Hulu for believing in me. Thank you to my team for always supporting me. And thank you to the entire cast and crew of ‘Shogun.’ I’m so proud of you.”
“It was a dream project that brought together East and West, with all due respect,” Sanada continued. “Shogun taught me that when people work together, we can create miracles. We can create a better future together. Thank you very much!”
Sanada is only the second Asian actor to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He beat out fellow nominees Idris Elba (Apple TV+’s Hijack), Donald Glover (Amazon’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith), Walton Goggins (Amazon’s Fallout), Gary Oldman (Apple TV+’s Slow Horses) and Dominic West (Netflix’s The Crown).
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This is Sanada's first Emmy nomination and win as an actor. He also shared in the “Shogun” nomination for Best Drama Series, as he is a producer on the show in addition to co-starring.
“Shogun” received 25 Emmy nominations this year, making it the most-nominated series at the Emmys this year. Co-star Anna Sway won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, shortly after Sanada’s win. Minutes later, the series won for Outstanding Drama Series as well.
The series is adapted from the novel of the same name by James Clavell, which was itself based on real Japanese history. Sanada plays Lord Yoshi Toranaga, a member of the ruling Regency Council who must fight for his survival when politics turn against him.
The series was originally slated to be limited, but in May it was reported that FX was submitting “Shogun” for awards consideration as a drama series, meaning it intends to produce more seasons. Shortly after, FX announced that it would partner with the Clavell Estate and “Shogun” creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo to develop two more seasons of the series. Sanada is set to return as Toranaga if the new seasons are released.
See the full list of Sunday night's Emmy winners here.
