The FX historical drama “Shogun” dominated major categories at the 2024 Emmy Awards, making history as the first non-English language series to win Outstanding Drama Series. The Japan-set show earned a total of 18 Emmys, more than any other program in a single year.
At the Creative Arts Emmys, “Shogun” collected 14 trophies, then added four more at the Primetime ceremony. It took top honors for Outstanding Drama Series. Leading actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai won their respective categories, the first Japanese performers to do so. Frederick E.O. Toye won for directing.
Sanada, a veteran of nearly 60 years in the Japanese film industry, reflected on the significance. “I felt the weight of the moment and what it all means historically,” he said. Sawai became emotional, saying “I’ve just been a mess…wanting everyone to win.”
The series is based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel about Englishman John Blackthorne’s arrival in 16th century Japan. Disney backed the decade-long production that brought the story to television. The widespread success shows growing representation for Asian stories and acceptance of non-English shows.
While “Shogun” led drama wins, other favored programs also found success. In a surprise, “Hacks” took the comedy series prize over previous winner “The Bear.” Jean Smart won her third acting Emmy for “Hacks.” Despite losing the top prize, “The Bear” still managed 11 total Emmys including acting awards for Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
In limited series, Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” won for best of the category. Its creator and star Richard Gadd prevailed in both writing and acting, sharing his journey from hardship to success.
Co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo revealed Disney has approved two additional seasons of “Shogun” beyond the source novel. With its record-breaking night, the series has set a high standard for international shows in American television.
