Anna Sawai becomes first Asian Woman to Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama

Anna Sawai has become the first ever Asian descent actor at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards to win the Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama. She got this prestigious honour for her role in Shogun as Lady Mariko.

Amidst stiff competition, Anna’s win came in between with nominees including Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon for The Morning Show, Carrie Coon for The Gilded Age, Maya Erskine for Mr and Mrs Smith, and Imelda Staunton for The Crown.

Expressing her gratitude, she said, “I was crying before my name was announced. I’m a mess today. Thank you to every single one of the crew and the cast led by Hiro (Hiroyuki Sanada). He really has opened doors and continues to open doors for people like me.”

She added, “This is to all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example to everyone.”

In addition, she has also won TCA Award very recently, for best individual achievement in a drama that makes her an incredible actor of her calibre, continuing to break barriers with her achievements. She has been extensively praised for her role of Lady Mariko that made her status more solidified.