Shōgun, the FX historical drama set in feudal Japan, has conquered the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, taking home four prizes, including the coveted award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. This victory marks a significant moment for representation, with the series, largely performed in Japanese, achieving widespread recognition.
The show’s success was spearheaded by standout performances from its leads. Hiroyuki Sanada, a veteran of Japanese cinema, won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series.
Reflecting on his career, Sanada shared, “I started acting in Japan when I was five years old, and moved to LA 20 years ago, and luckily, I worked with great filmmakers and actors. I put everything, every single experience in my life into Shōgun then Shōgun brought me here.” He also emphasized the inclusive nature of the project, stating, “Shōgun and this award [is] showing us that acting is a universal language.”
Anna Sawai, who plays Toda Mariko, also secured a win for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series. Sawai’s emotional acceptance speech acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the occasion.
“I’m very happy but I’m also kind of sad because this is probably the last time I’m able to celebrate the work with you guys,” she said, her voice breaking. Her character’s fate in the first season makes this a poignant moment for the cast. Sawai also expressed her gratitude for the show’s success, noting, “Last year when this show came out, the only thing I wanted was for people to watch it. So this has been beyond my imagination.”
Beyond the individual accolades, Shōgun also received recognition for its stunt work, winning Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series. This award underlines the production’s commitment to creating a visually compelling and action-packed drama.
Shōgun SAG wins follow a string of successes at other award ceremonies, including the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards. Its critical acclaim has led to a surprise second season, despite initially being conceived as a miniseries.
Read more: Tadanobu Asano Scores Golden Globe Win for ‘Shōgun’
Co-creator Justin Marks recently revealed that the writers’ room is nearing completion for the new episodes, promising “big ideas” and excitement for Sanada’s character. “We’re coming out of the writers’ room now,” Marks told Deadline at the Critics’ Choice Awards, “We’re also done with the 10 episodes and we have our finale now. That’s allowing us to start figuring out how we’re going to shoot this.”
The show’s widespread acclaim and multiple awards, including these SAG wins, signal a potential shift in how international productions are perceived and celebrated within the entertainment industry. Shōgun success demonstrates that compelling stories, regardless of language, can captivate audiences worldwide.
