Hiroyuki Sanada just scored a major victory at the 2025 Golden Globes, snagging the award for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – Drama for his powerful portrayal of Lord Yoshii Toranaga in FX’s Shōgun. This win comes hot on the heels of his historic Emmy win last year for the same role, where he became the first Japanese actor to achieve that honor.
Sanada faced some stiff competition in the category, going up against heavy hitters like Donald Glover (Mr. & Mrs. Smith), Jake Gyllenhaal (Presumed Innocent), and Gary Oldman (Slow Horses). But his performance in Shōgun clearly resonated with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
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“I’d love to say thank you for everyone who’s been in my life,” Sanada said in his acceptance speech. “All of you have brought me here.” He also took a moment to offer some inspiring words to aspiring artists: “Please be yourself, believe in yourself, and never give up. Good luck.”
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This Golden Globe win is the latest accolade in what has been a hugely successful awards season for Shōgun. The show, which premiered in February 2024 to critical acclaim, earned a slew of Emmy nominations and has continued to impress audiences and critics alike. With Sanada leading the charge, it seems Shōgun is poised to continue its winning streak.
