‘Shogun’ makes history with record 18 Emmy wins, first non-English-language show to win best drama

The FX series Shogun set a new record at the 2024 Emmy Awards, securing a total of 18 wins, the most by any show in a single year. After earning 14 awards at the Creative Arts Emmys, the samurai drama claimed four more at the Primetime Emmys, including best drama series, best actor in a drama series for Hiroyuki Sanada, best actress in a drama series for Anna Sawai, and best drama directing for Frederick E.O. Toye.

Shogun is the first majority non-English-language series to win in the outstanding drama category, a significant moment for Asian representation in television. Sanada and Sawai also made history as the first Japanese actors to win Emmys. Speaking backstage, Sanada reflected on the importance of his win, saying he “felt the weight of the moment and what it all means historically,” adding that he hopes the next generation will “see a lot of meaning in our nominations and wins.”

Sawai, overwhelmed with emotion, told reporters, "I’ve just been a mess... I think it’s just mixed emotions and anxiety, wanting everyone to win."

Despite its success, Shogun faced some losses, including Billy Crudup’s win for best supporting actor over Tadanobu Asano and the writing category loss to Slow Horses. Based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel, Shogun is FX’s most-watched series ever, with two additional seasons already greenlit.