Hiroyuki Sanada celebrates winning the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award alongside the Shōgun cast. (Courtesy of Primetime Emmy Awards)
The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, a prestigious event honoring the best of television, took place on September 15, 2024, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony showcased the year’s most outstanding productions and performances, featuring a star-studded lineup of nominees and presenters. From groundbreaking dramas to hilarious comedies, the Emmys celebrated the diversity and creativity of the small screen.
One of the night’s biggest surprises was the sheer number of awards “Shōgun” walked away with. The historical drama, set in feudal Japan, took home a total of 18 awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series and Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series.
“Everyone knew that ‘Shōgun’ would win a couple Emmys,” Lambert senior David Nealy said. “No one expected them to take so many. This was definitely a big moment for Japan.”
The show was a resounding success for Japan and its Japanese cast members. Hiroyuki Sanada made history by becoming the first Japanese actor to win the Emmy for best lead actor in a dramatic series. His co-star, Anna Sawai, also achieved an incredible feat by winning best actress in a dramatic series, becoming the first Japanese actress to receive this prestigious award. This significant achievement not only brought international recognition to the Japanese entertainment industry but also showcased the talent and diversity of Japanese actors on a global stage.
Another notable moment was when “Baby Reindeer,” a black comedy-drama thriller miniseries, won six Emmy Awards. The British hit had already boasted previous success, reigning number one on Netflix’s charts for nearly a month.
“I thought it was great that ‘Baby Reindeer’ won Emmys,” Lambert junior Paul Phlong said. “Small indie productions like this are proof that you don’t necessarily need a big studio to win.”
“Baby Reindeer’s” success serves as inspiration for aspiring filmmakers, proving that quality and passion can make a lasting impact regardless of financial backing. As Richard Gadd, show writer, producer and lead actor, said, “explore the uncomfortable, dare to fail in order to achieve.”
The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards showcased the growing diversity and global influence in television, with “Shōgun” and “Baby Reindeer” leading the night in wins. From remarkable achievements by Japanese actors to indie productions proving their worth, the event celebrated creative excellence across all levels of the industry. As the television landscape continues to evolve, these wins reflect a broader shift toward inclusive storytelling and innovation.
