Hiroyuki Sanada has had quite the remarkable year. Not only did he star in one of 2024's major breakout series, FX on Hulu’s Shōgun, but he also took on the lead role, solidifying his reputation as one of the most talented actors of our time. Having previously showcased his impressive skills through films such as The Last Samurai, Mortal Kombat, and John Wick: Chapter 4, Sanada's portrayal of Lord Yoshii Toranaga has propelled him to unprecedented heights, earning him nominations and wins at award shows across the board.
The buzz surrounding Shōgun has captivated audiences, particularly with Sanada's masterful portrayal, which has drawn fans deep within the narrative of Clavell's historical saga, igniting anticipation for each episode of the inaugural season. The series, which began as a planned miniseries, has already flipped expectations by confirming both second and third seasons.
During the recent Screen Actors Guild Awards, Sanada spoke with Collider’s Nate Richard, expressing the mix of exhilaration and pressure felt from such significant success. He stated, “Yes, you know. These hours gave us strength to go forward, but also a lot of pressure we have because of [the] great reaction we had — more than expected in Season 1 — so we should carefully create the best script and then [choose] the best new cast and the crew and the location. So yeah — but very positive. You know, pressure [becomes] energy sometimes, so thank you for big pressure tonight again.”
At the 31st SAG Awards, held on Sunday afternoon under the sun of Los Angeles, Shōgun shone brightly, claiming three prestigious awards: Ensemble for a Drama Series, Male Actor in a Drama Series for Sanada, and Female Actor for Anna Sawai. The show shared the spotlight with the feel-good hit “Conclave” and the beloved “Only Murders in the Building,” both of which also left their mark with multiple nominations.
Despite the competitive nature of the awards, Sanada’s recognition is well-deserved, as his performance as Yoshii Toranaga has been lauded by critics and fans alike. Critics have responded positively to the show as well, resulting in Shōgun achieving nearly perfect ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing the admiration it has garnered.
The celebration extends beyond the SAG Awards, capturing triumph across various ceremonies including the Critics’ Choice Awards, Golden Globes, and Emmys. With these accolades piled high, Shōgun has proven to be one of the biggest success stories of the awards season. This success demonstrates not only the artistic quality of the series but also the cultural resonance it holds within the industry.
During the ceremony, actress and activist Jane Fonda made headlines with her impassioned acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement Award, affirming the power of unions and the importance of caring about each other. Her declaration, “Woke just means you give a damn about other people,” is one for the books. It was yet another reminder of the infinite influence of artists’ voice within our society.
Sanada's gathering of accolades is a reflection of Shōgun's success, and fans eagerly await news of the upcoming seasons. The production team, led by writers Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, has expressed their commitment to maintaining the show’s high standards as they venture forward.
The audience has been captivated by the creativity, passion, and history encapsulated within Shōgun, and its wins resonate with lovers of storytelling everywhere. With such positive reactions and substantial pressures from audiences, the creative team is determined to deliver even greater narratives and performances.
For those who have not yet experienced the series, Shōgun is currently streaming on Hulu, inviting all viewers to immerse themselves in this sweeping tale of ambition, conflict, and the essence of human experience. The excitement is palpable as more updates approach for Season 2 and beyond.