Anna Sawai Makes History With Emmys Win, Says 'I Am A Mess Today' As She Accepts Best Actress Award

Emmys 2024 winner Anna Sawai broke down when it was announced that she has won the Best Actress Award for Shogun. The Japanese star made history with the win. She became the first Asian actress to be honoured with Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series award. Overwhelmed and emotional, Anna Sawai was already in tears when she walked up the stage. The actress confessed she was crying even before it was announced that she has won.

“I was crying before my name was announced. I’m a mess today,” Anna Sawai said as she wiped off her tears and began to express her gratitude while the audience gave her a standing ovation. “Thank you to The Academy for naming me alongside my fellow nominees whose work I grew up watching and love,” she added.

She thanked everyone involved in the making of the FX series. “Thank you to John Landgraf and the whole FX team for believing in our story. Thank you, Justin [Marks] and Rachel [Kondo] for believing in me and giving me this role of a lifetime. Thank you to every single one of the crew and cast led by [Hiroyuki Sanada]—Hiro’s over there,” she said.

“He really has open doors and continues to open doors for people like me. Thank you so much. Cosmo [Jarvis], you are the most honest and truthful and no BS actor I know and you made me give my 120 percent,” Anna added.

She concluded the speech by saying, “Lastly, thank you to my team and thank you to my family. Mom, I love you. You are the reason I’m here. You showed me stoicism and that’s how I was able to portray Mariko. This is to all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example for everyone. Thank you so much.”

Watch the speech below:

Meanwhile, Shogun went on to win Best Drama Series at Emmys 2024. The Emmy Awards 2024 is available to stream on Lionsgate Play.