Tadanobu Asano, the acclaimed Japanese actor, captured the spotlight at the Golden Globes 2025 by winning the award for Best Supporting Male Actor on Television for his captivating performance as Kashigi Yabushige in the FX series Shōgun. His award marks not only his first win but also his inaugural nomination at the prestigious ceremony, bringing excitement to viewers and fans alike.
Despite the overall lukewarm reception of the Golden Globes this year, with critics describing it as lackluster compared to previous events, there was one standout moment: Tadanobu's acceptance speech. Known for his elegant and eclectic filmography, which includes noted films like Thor and Silence, he proved to be refreshing against the backdrop of other lengthy, emotional speeches. Fellow winners had tended to ramble, digging deep for thank-yous or emotional backstories; yet, when it was his turn, Tadanobu humbly introduced himself to the Hollywood crowd.
"Wow, so maybe you don’t know me, but I’m an actor from Japan and my name is Tadanobu Asano," he declared, instantly garnering applause from attendees, including fellow Globe winner Kieran Culkin.
With only seconds to spare during his allocation, Tadanobu quickly expanded on his victory, illuminating his gratitude not only for this accolade but also for his entire career. "Wow, this is a very big present for me!" he exclaimed, holding the award aloft. He concluded his speech on an emphatic note, exclaiming, "I’m very happy! Thank you!" This powerful yet succinct announcement earned him resounding cheers and applause, proving to be one of the highlights of the night.
Hailing from Japan, Tadanobu's breakthrough this year echoes his career-long dedication and hard work. From his roots as part of the Japanese film industry to now making significant strides internationally, he described this moment as remarkable. "Looking back at my career, I’m in my fifties now, but I have been really astounded by not only Japanese fans, American fans, but internationally," he shared earlier with Town & Country. "I thought I would just be a quiet actor, but I never thought at this point in my career, and my age, I’d get this much attention.”
He noted how Shōgun was instrumental in aiding his recognition overseas. The show, which has recently been renewed for a second season, features him prominently alongside other notable actors. Among the competition for the Best Supporting Actor award were heavyweight names like Javier Bardem, Harrison Ford, and Diego Luna, making Tadanobu’s win even more significant.
Though excited for the future possibilities of returning for another season of Shōgun, Tadanobu faces the reality of his character's story arc, having died by suicide at the end of the first season. He expressed the complexity of his character Yabushige, remarking, "It's Yabushige's curiosity, and the ultimate unimaginable thing is death to him,” he explained, reflecting on the portrayal of his character's relationship with death.
The win at the Golden Globes serves not just as personal triumph but also as indicative of the slowly changing tides within Hollywood, where Asian actors are increasingly gaining traction and recognition. While dominating the competition this year, Tadanobu's win offers hope for future Asian talents aiming to shine on the world stage.
With his victory, there’s excitement among fans and observers alike, as many look forward to Tadanobu’s gathering accolades as he continues his career from Japan to global recognition. His Golden Globe moment cements his place as one of the celebrated figures to watch not just at future ceremonies, but throughout the upcoming year's entertainment highlights.
Despite wrapping up what has been deemed another uneven year at the Golden Globes, Tadanobu shines brightly as a beacon of talent and promise, exemplifying the rich potential of cross-cultural storytelling through media. For audiences and fans around the world, Tadanobu’s performance as Kashigi Yabushige will continue to leave its mark, elevated now by the prestige of his latest accolade.