Emmys 2024: ‘Shogun’ makes history as first non-English-language series to win Drama Series with record-breaking 18 total wins

Hiroyuki Sanada and the cast and crew of ‘Shogun’ accept the award for Outstanding Drama Series at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. Photo credit: MARIO ANZUONI

the shogun Made history at the 2024 Emmys by becoming the first majority non-English language series to win Best Drama Series. The historical epic set in feudal Japan took home a total of 18 Emmys, the most for a single season of television.

Creator Justin Kondo accepted the award for Outstanding Drama Series, giving a speech that highlighted the show’s unique journey. “You guys have greenlit a very expensive Japanese period piece whose climax centers around a poetry contest,” he noted. Kondo emphasized that the shogun “A show about translation, not what’s lost, but what’s found”, referring to the cultural nuances and complexities depicted in the series.

He humorously noted the challenges of production, including conducting safety meetings in two languages ​​and the importance of respecting Japanese traditions, such as not walking on tatami mats with utility boots.

Kondo then invited Hiroyuki Sanada to speak, who addressed the audience in Japanese. He thanked the entire production for their dedication to the samurai period drama, saying, “The passion and dreams we inherited from you have crossed seas and borders. Arigato Gozaimasu.”

Sanada, who won the award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series, is the second-time Asian winner in the category. Expressing his gratitude, he said, “I am honored. Thanks to FX, Hulu and Disney for believing in me.” He described the shogun As “East meets West with respect to the Dream Project” and reflecting the show’s message of unity, he says, “Shogun taught me that when people work together, we can create miracles, we can create a better future together.”

Anna Sawai, who won the award for lead actress in a drama series, made history as the first Asian winner in the category.

Anna Sawai accepts the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for ‘Shogun’ at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. Photo credit: MARIO ANZUONI

In an emotional speech, he thanked its cast and crew the shogunAdmitting, “I cried before my name was announced, I’m confused today.” She ended by thanking her mother, whom she credits as an inspiration for her character Mariko, saying, “You showed me grit and continue to be my inspiration.”