Anna Sawai stunned attendees at the 2025 Golden Globes with her radiant red carpet appearance, exemplifying her rise as both fashion icon and acclaimed actress. The star of the FX series Shōgun arrived dressed to the nines, winning the Fashion Newcomer to Watch award just days earlier at the WWD Style Awards. With the pressure of her nomination hanging over her, Sawai showcased the careful thought and artistry behind her look.
For the Golden Globes, Sawai wore a dazzling custom Dior ensemble—a chic sleeveless peplum-style top paired with a sleek column skirt, accessorized perfectly with Cartier jewelry, including a four-stranded silver chain choker and elegant diamond ring. Styled by Karla Welch, her outfit reportedly took 450 hours to create, proving the effort put forth could rival her performances.
Not simply focused on attire, Sawai is nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Drama for her role as Toda Mariko. She finds herself competing against notable actresses, including Kathy Bates and Keira Knightley. This nomination is particularly significant as it builds on her recent success as the first Asian performer to be honored as Best Lead Actress at the Emmy Awards.
Sawai's rise as a fashion darling didn’t happen overnight. Reflecting on her collaboration with Welch, she described how they've navigated her style evolution over the past two years. “I don’t think I really understood what I looked good in,” she admitted, adding, “Karla also knows how I feel when I’m wearing certain things. And it’s so easy now, because everything I try on is great.” The result is her growing confidence and willingness to experiment with structured styles, noting the importance of shape for her petite frame.
While preparing for the Golden Globes, Sawai embraced vulnerability, admitting to feelings of anxiety about the evening. “I feel like when I think about it too much, I do get quite nervous,” she stated candidly. Instead, she chose to embrace the moment: “So, I’m not thinking about it at all. I’m just going to enjoy it.” This refreshing approach to the pressures of awards season mirrors the character she plays on screen—a powerful figure whose story she holds close to her heart.
“I will carry Mariko with me for the rest of my life because really she is so powerful,” Sawai expressed about her role, which she describes as deeply impactful, personally and professionally. Her commitment to Mariko is evident, especially as she recalls the arduous preparation required for the performance involving everything from learning samurai-era Japanese to horseback riding. “It was a really tough shoot,” she noted, yet she welcomes the growth it has prompted.
Support from her co-stars didn’t stop there. Hiroyuki Sanada, both the executive producer of Shōgun and Sawai's co-star, praised her talent. “Anna Sawai could play any role on this earth, or in space. Period pieces or far-future films—she is so talented...” he gushed, recognizing her ability to transcend boundaries and expectations. With her incredible work ethic and dedication, Sanada confidently predicts, “From here, she’ll just get bigger, and bigger.”
The Golden Globes ceremony is not just another event for Sawai; it symbolizes the potential for change and representation. A strong advocate for breaking stereotypes, she asserted, “It was really important to me... to play someone who is so layered, who’s broken and sensitive, but also has... strong core.” Following her groundbreaking Emmy win, she is leading the way for Asian actresses and challenging the typical portrayals often seen on screen.
Anna Sawai’s Golden Globes 2025 red carpet appearance marks yet another chapter of her vibrant career, merging her powerful acting with fashion excellence. This balance hints at milestones yet to come, as the actress eagerly embraces new challenges, both on-screen and off. With the glow of the cameras behind her and the support of fans rooting for her success, Sawai is not just ready to shine; she’s poised to lead.
With eyes on this rising star, the evening promises not only awards but also significance—her influence stretching beyond the bounds of Hollywood as she plants her flag firmly on the playing field, making sure her voice, and the voices of women like Mariko, resonate far and wide.