In the wake of Succession’s departure, a new contender has emerged to seize power at the Emmys: FX’s lavish Japanese period drama, Shogun. This sweeping epic, centered on the intricate power struggles of feudal Japan, has amassed an impressive 25 nominations, making it the leading contender in this year’s Emmy race.
Shogun‘s nominations extend beyond the prestigious Best Drama category. Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai have earned nods for their captivating performances as Yoshii Toranaga and Toda Mariko, respectively. The series has also secured nominations for its exceptional supporting cast, including Tadanobu Asano and Takehiro Hira. In addition, the series has garnered recognition across various technical categories, solidifying its position as a true tour de force.
Read more: ‘Shōgun’ Star Anna Sawai Holds Her Own at Hollywood Roundtable with Industry Legends
This achievement marks a significant milestone for both FX and parent company Disney, especially considering the show’s decade-long journey to fruition. More importantly, it is a watershed moment for Asian representation and non-English-language television. Following in the footsteps of Netflix’s Squid Game, Shogun is only the second primarily non-English-language series to be nominated for Outstanding Drama Series
Shogun‘s success comes at an opportune time. The drama category is currently a more open field than it has been in recent years, with the conclusion of Emmy mainstays like Succession and Better Call Saul, and the delay of other favorites due to industry strikes. This leaves the path clear for Shogun to potentially make history.
The series has received nominations in nearly every drama category, with many of its stars considered frontrunners. As anticipated, veteran actor Hiroyuki Sanada has secured his first Best Actor nomination, while Anna Sawai has been recognized for her moving portrayal of Lady Mariko. Notably, the series’ meticulous recreation of feudal Japan has also earned FX and Disney a multitude of craft nominations.
Read more: ‘Shōgun’ Renewed For Two New Seasons By FX and Hulu
This wave of nominations has resulted in a series of firsts. All of the honored Japanese cast members are first-time nominees, with most being the first Japanese nominees in their respective categories in Emmy history.
With a whopping 25 nominations, Shogun has become a dominant force at the Emmys, according to Reuters. This achievement cements the show’s place in television history, regardless of its ultimate Emmy haul come September. The series’ impact extends far beyond awards recognition, however. Shogun is a landmark achievement for Asian representation and paves the way for more diverse storytelling on television.
Read more: Is ‘Shogun’ the Next ‘Game of Thrones’?
The 76th Emmy Awards ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC on September 15th, and Shogun is poised to be the one to watch.
