The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on September 15, 2024, quickly became a historic night for diversity as notable talents were applauded for their works ranging from powerhouses Sandra Oh to Angela Bassett. API actors, writers, and directors especially shone across major categories, further showcasing the growing prominence of API narratives in Hollywood. This year’s Emmys demonstrated a continued effort toward a significant cultural shift, where Asian talent was not only recognized but celebrated at the highest level.
Shōgun Rules the Emmys Battlefield
FX series Shōgun (2024) strolled in with the strongest impression at this year’s Emmys before the official main ceremony had even begun. The series was already in the lead from the 76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 8, 2024 securing 14 of a record-breaking 25 total nominations – the most for any series’ season ever nominated in Emmy’s history. The drama took home Outstanding Sound Mixing, Outstanding Sound Editing, Outstanding Period Costumes, Outstanding Production Design, Outstanding Main Title Design, Outstanding Special Visual Effects, Outstanding Period/Fantasy Makeup, Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup, Outstanding Stunt Performance, Outstanding Casting for a Drama, Outstanding Period/Fantasy Hairstyling, Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama for Néstor Carbonell, Outstanding Picture Editing, and Outstanding Cinematography.
Since the show’s release, it has been praised for its stunning cinematography and gripping performances by its cast. Understandably the series was highly anticipated to take center stage and sweep Sunday night’s ceremony in the remaining main categories. The series did not disappoint as it claimed 4 more awards in Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Hiroyuki Sanada, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Anna Sawai, and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.
Notably, Sawai’s win is not only monumental for the actress’s career but is the first win for an Asian descent actress ever in the Lead Actress Drama category. Surrounded by applause, Sawai sweetly shed tears as she gathered herself on the stage to collect her award. Sawai thanked the Shōgun (2024) team for believing in her by giving her the amazing opportunity to portray a strong character like Mariko. The actress especially gave a special nod to her mother who had always led by example for her and women all around who could relate to her character. “Mom I love you, you are the reason I am here, you showed me stoicism and that’s how I was able to portray Mariko. And this is to all the women who expect nothing and still continue to be an example for everyone. Thank you very much.”
Also breaking records, Hiroyuki Sanada became the second actor of Asian descent to ever win Best Lead Actor in the Drama series category following Lee Jungjae of Squid Game (2021) from the 74th Emmys. In a roar of cheers, Sanada strode onto stage accepting his award. He noted the meaningfulness of the opportunity to create a show such as Shōgun (2024).
Sanada underscored the series’ overarching theme that was reflected with the night’s wins, “when people work together we can make (a) miracle. We can create a better future together.” The veteran Japanese actor has played a heavy hand in the development of the show, working as lead actor and as a producer for the historic drama. The success of the show with only one season under their belts further validates the need and want for rich cultural stories to be created.
A Long Awaited Answer
After years of delivering critically acclaimed performances, Sandra Oh finally won her first Emmy Award for Quiz Lady (2023), marking a historic moment in her illustrious career. Alongside Oh, fellow cast mate Awkwafina and the crew behind the comedic family film accepted Outstanding Television Movie award together. Oh served as lead actress and one of the producers for the film, cementing her legacy as a talented trailblazer who has broken through in mainstream American television.
Known for her powerful portrayals in popular shows such as Grey’s Anatomy (2005) and Killing Eve (2018), Oh had been previously nominated for the prestigious Emmy awards multiple times but had been overlooked until now. Her Emmy win represents not only a personal triumph but also a significant step forward for continued diverse recognition in Hollywood.
Gold for Gold
Adult animated show Blue Eye Samurai (2023) clinched Outstanding Animated Series, a testament to its rich tapestry of cultural representation and action-packed sequences. The series has long been applauded for its sequence work that highlights the sleek moves of the swords and its unique style. This is Netflix’s second series to secure this category following the highly acclaimed steampunk action series Arcane’s (2021) win in 2022. Accrediting their success to the dedication of the incredible team behind the scenes, co-writer, and co-producer Michael Green spoke of their hopes for an additional season three now with a win up their sleeves. Already green-lit for a second season, Blue Eye Samurai (2024) is anticipated to continue developing the revenge series.
After a historic night of recognition that authentic, diverse stories have and will continue to resonate with global audiences, the future of the Emmys opens the pathway for more stories to be told in new perspectives. These victories prove that diversity is not just a trend and marks the beginning of a new golden era where API talent will continue to stand hand in hand with their colleagues, shaping the evolving landscape of television.
Want more ACT!ON content on critically acclaimed API talent? Check out our And ACT!ON profile of Emmy Winner Anna Sawai here!
