Anna Sawai Makes History
Image credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
On September 15, 2024, the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards took place, hosted by Eugene and Dan Levy. Anna Sawai stunned on the red carpet in her custom red Vera Wang dress with jewelry from Cartier, who she is an ambassador for.
Anna took home the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Lady Mariko in Shogun. The show is based on a novel by James Clavell that tells the story of an English sailor who shipwrecks in Feudal Japan, a world unknown to him.
Anna made history as she was the first woman of Asian descent to win the Outstanding Lead Actress award. This accolade was her first-ever Emmy nomination and first win as well. In addition to the Outstanding Lead Actress award, Shogun, produced by FX, won 18 more awards in one night out of their 25 total nominations.
In an interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Anna reflected on the news of her Emmy nomination.
“I did have some excitement, but when they announced three people before me, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’ like this is not going to happen. And then, when I’m thinking that my manager calls and I miss my name,” she said with a laugh. Despite her uncertainty of even being nominated, she graciously and deservingly took home the award.
Anna is an inspiration to women of all walks of life. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated her award to women like her, saying, “This is to all the women who expect nothing, and continue to be an example for everyone.” Her winning this award is a demonstration to women to have the tenacity to pursue the accolades and passions their hearts desire.
In her speech, she also thanked Hiroyuki Sanada, the lead actor and producer of Shogun.
“Thank you to every single one of the crew and cast, led by Hiro. He really has opened doors and continues to open doors for people like me, thank you so much,” she said.
Zuri Primos is an Intern for Hope Magazine. She is a student at Dillard University and the Editor-in-chief of the Dillard University student paper, the Courtbouillon.