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

Shogun makes history at 2024 Emmys with 18 wins, emphasizing cultural nuances and unity in acceptance speeches.

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 ever for a single season of television.

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

He humorously mentioned the challenges of production, including conducting safety meetings in two languages and the importance of respecting Japanese traditions, like 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’ve inherited from you have crossed oceans and borders. Arigato gozaimasu.”

Sanada, who won the award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series, became the second-ever Asian winner in this category. Expressing his gratitude, he said, “I’m beyond honored. Thank you to FX, Hulu, and Disney for believing in me.” He described Shogun as an “East meets West dream project with respect” and reflected on the show’s message of unity, stating, “Shogun taught me that when people work together, we can create miracles, we can make 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.

In an emotional speech, she thanked the cast and crew of Shogun, admitting, “I was crying before my name was announced, I’m a mess today.” She concluded by thanking her mother, whom she credited as the inspiration for her character Mariko, saying, “You showed me stoicism and continue to be my inspiration.”