Anna Sawai was overwhelmed with emotion after her first-ever Emmy win, which was made even more special by her first nomination.
She moved to tears even before her name was announced as the winner of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 2024 Emmy Awards.
The Shōgun actress was honoured with the coveted accolade on Sunday, September 15, beating out the stars she has grown up watching, including Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age), Imelda Staunton (The Crown), Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show), Maya Erskine (Mr. and Mrs. Smith) and Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show).
"I was crying before my name was announced; I'm a mess today," Sawai, who made history as the first Asian woman to win in the category, began her acceptance speech.
She extended her heartiest gratitude to the Television Academy, Shōgun co-creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, her co-stars and each crew member, concluding with a shoutout to her mother.
"Mom, I love you," the 32-year-old actress added. "You are the reason I'm here. You showed me stoicism, and that's how I was able to portray Mariko."
Sawai was nominated for her enigmatic role as Toda Mariko, a mysterious woman who serves as the translator for Lord Yoshii Toranaga, played by Hiroyuki Sanada, in FX's Shōgun.