The FX series Shogun has made history at the 2024 Emmy Awards by becoming the first non-English language show to win best drama. It also achieved a record 18 wins in a single season. Anna Sawai claimed the best actress award, marking another milestone for Asian representation.
The Japanese historical epic Shogun, produced by FX, dominated the 2024 Emmy Awards with unprecedented success. As the first non-English language series to secure the best drama category, it shattered barriers in television awards. This achievement underscores the growing global influence of international storytelling in American award shows.
Shogun's tally of 18 Emmy wins in one season now stands as the highest ever recorded, surpassing previous benchmarks set by shows like Game of Thrones. The series had already shown strength earlier, claiming 14 awards at the Creative Arts Emmys held the weekend before the main ceremony.
A standout moment came with Anna Sawai's victory for best actress in a drama series. Portraying Lady Toda Mariko, Sawai became the first actress of Asian descent to win in this category, highlighting progress in diversity within the industry. Her performance in the role, central to the series' narrative of feudal Japan, resonated with voters and audiences alike.
These wins reflect Shogun's critical acclaim since its premiere, adapting James Clavell's novel into a visually stunning and culturally authentic production. The series' success at the Emmys, held in Los Angeles, signals a shift toward recognizing non-English content on major platforms.
