Hiroyuki Sanada dazzled at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, winning the coveted Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series for his role in the acclaimed series Shōgun. The event, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, was not only a celebration of stellar performances but also marked Sanada's continuing rise as one of the most recognized actors today.
Walking the red carpet, Sanada spoke with Extra’s Mona Kosar Abdi and Adam Glassman, where he described the wave of recognition he and Shōgun have received as feeling like “a dream.” Despite being recognized across multiple prestigious award ceremonies, including the Emmys and the Golden Globes, he admitted to still feeling “always nervous” at award shows. “I could never have imagined really these kinds of things happening,” he reflected, highlighting the surreal nature of his accomplishments.
Sanada's triumphant night didn't end there. After tension filled moments where he felt pressure about winning, he was later overwhelmed by surprise when his name was announced as the winner. “I had a bunch of pressure and didn't expect it at all, so it was a surprise,” he shared, emphasizing the unexpected joy of being honored by his peers.
The actor also pointed out the importance of such recognition, stating, “It was so special to be recognized by my community of fellow actors.” His gratitude extended beyond himself, as he praised the hard work of his co-stars and the creative team behind Shōgun, which has gained substantial acclaim since its debut.
Along with his win, the evening also shone brightly for Shōgun, winning multiple awards, including Drama Ensemble, and featuring performance nods for Sanada's co-star, Anna Sawai, who received recognition for her role as well. The show, which is produced by FX, has officially been renewed for two more seasons, continuing the gripping tale set against the backdrop of feudal Japan.
Looking forward to the future, Sanada shared exciting updates about Shōgun Season 2. He revealed, “We just finished writing for 10 episodes of Season 2.” With filming anticipated to begin later this year, either in the fall or winter, Sanada is eager about the directions the new scripts are taking. The writers are currently working on incorporating “great ideas,” which Sanada teased will bring surprises to the audience from the first episode of the new season.
“We're coming out of the writers' room now. We have our finale now,” said showrunner Justin Marks during the Critics Choice Awards. He expressed excitement about the upcoming plot developments and the team’s enthusiasm for what lies ahead. Sanada echoed this excitement, noting they are still exploring filming parts of Season 2 in Japan as they “researching” and “find possibilities” for production locations.
Sanada’s night was made even more special by his heartfelt wish to meet Hollywood legend Harrison Ford, adding personal touches to his industry achievements. “I want to see and say hi to Mr. Harrison Ford,” he said with genuine enthusiasm, highlighting not just his wins but also his respect for fellow actors.
The 2025 SAG Awards not only celebrated individual performances but also showcased the camaraderie and support found within the acting community, with Sanada’s recognition standing out as both personal achievement and collective pride for Shōgun. The warmth and genuine appreciation expressed by winners like Sanada reminded everyone present why the performing arts endure as both impactful and transformative.
Overall, Sanada's experience and reflections from the SAG Awards serve as affirmation of his contributions to the industry and the continuing evolution of Shōgun, setting the stage for future storytelling and inspiring many within and outside the acting community.