Anna Sawai Makes History as the First Asian Performer to Win the Best Drama Actress Emmy

FX’s historic epic, “Shōgun,” can’t cease making historical past all its personal. Following its record-breaking efficiency on the Inventive Arts Emmy Awards — the place the drama collection grew to become essentially the most awarded single season in Emmy historical past — Anna Sawai has turn into the primary actor of Asian descent to win the Emmy for Finest Actress in a Drama Sequence. It was the “Pachinko” star’s first nomination.

Sawai was solely the second actress of Asian descent to ever be nominated within the class. Her predecessor, Sandra Oh, was nominated 4 instances between 2018-2022 for “Killing Eve.” (She misplaced to Claire Foy for “The Crown,” then to her co-star Jodie Comer, and eventually to Zendaya for “Euphoria” — twice.)

Though “Shogun” has been thought-about a frontrunner anyplace and in all places it’s been nominated, the race for Finest Drama Actress was seen as one of many extra aggressive classes. Every earlier actor to play Queen Elizabeth II in “The Crown” received an Emmy (or, in Foy’s case, two Emmys), which made Imelda Staunton’s royal portrayal a well-liked selection within the collection’ closing season. “The Morning Present” over-performed within the performing classes, the place it earned 10 of its 16 nominations. Two of these got here on this class, for stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon — Hollywood royalty who could have canceled one another out with voters. Maya Erskine was a favourite amongst “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” devotees, and if “The Gilded Age” was going to win a Primetime Emmy, odds favored Carrie Coon to characterize the HBO collection right here.

As an alternative, Sawai triumphed, extending “Shogun’s” successful streak and anchoring the younger performer as one among Hollywood’s up-and-coming stars. Her efficiency as Woman Mariko earned raves from critics, and he or she’s already been nominated for a Gotham TV Award (Excellent Efficiency in a Restricted Sequence) and received the TCA Award for Particular person Achievement in Drama (beating out Andrew Scott for “Ripley” and “Shogun” co-star Hiroyuki Sanada).

Exterior “Shogun,” Sawai has starred within the Apple TV+ authentic, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” which is at present taking pictures its second season, and each seasons of “Pachinko,” a vital darling additionally out there through Apple TV+.

Though “Shogun” was renewed for 2 extra seasons, it’s unlikely Sawai will return. The collection is predicted to herald an entire new solid, presumably round Sanada, who performed Lord Toranaga in Season 1 and likewise serves as an govt producer.

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards have been held Sunday, September 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The complete telecast shall be out there to stream Monday on Hulu.