'Shogun's' Hiroyuki Sanada Wins Emmy for Lead Actor in Drama

Hiroyuki Sanada took home the Emmy for best actor in a drama series for the FX series “Shogun” on Sunday evening, expressing thanks to his team and fellow cast and crew members during his acceptance speech.

“Thank you so much. Oh, my goodness. I’m beyond honored to be here with amazing nominees,” Sanada began in his Emmys speech. “Thank you for FX, Disney and Hulu for believing in me. And thank you, my team, for always supporting me. And thank you for all the crew and cast of ‘Shogun.’ I’m so proud of you.”

“It was an East-meets-West dream project, with respect,” Sanada continued. “‘Shogun’ taught me that when people work together, we can make a miracle. We can create a better future together. Thank you so much!”

Sanada is the second Asian actor to ever win the Emmy for 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 marks Sanada’s first Emmy nomination and win as an actor. He also shares in “Shogun’s” nomination for best drama series, as he is a producer on the show in addition to starring.

“Shogun” received 25 Emmy nominations this year, making it the most-nominated series of this year’s Emmys. Sanada’s co-star Anna Sawai also took the prize for lead actress in a drama series, shortly after Sanada’s win. Minutes later, the series won the best drama series Emmy as well.

The series is based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell, which was itself based on real Japanese history. Sanada stars as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a member of the ruling Council of Regents who must fight for his survival when the political tides turn against him.

Originally intended as a limited series, it was reported in May that FX was submitting “Shogun” for awards consideration as a drama series instead, meaning they intended to produce more seasons. Not long after, FX announced it was partnering with the Clavell estate and “Shogun” creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo to develop two more seasons of the show. Sanada is onboard to return as Toranaga should the new seasons move forward.

See the full list of Emmy winners from Sunday night here.