Golden Globes 2025: Will Anna Sawai Win Best Actress – TV Drama for Shogun?

The 82nd annual Golden Globes, airing January 5, 2025, promise a thrilling race for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Drama. Among the nominees, Anna Sawai stands out for her captivating portrayal of Lady Mariko in the critically acclaimed FX historical drama, Shogun. But with a field of formidable contenders, including Emma D’Arcy (House of the Dragon), Kathy Bates (Matlock), Keira Knightley (Black Doves), Kerri Russell (The Diplomat), and Maya Erskine (Mr. and Mrs. Smith), can Sawai secure the coveted Golden Globe?

Sawai’s Meteoric Rise and Emmy Triumph

Anna Sawai’s journey to this nomination is a testament to her talent and versatility. From her childhood debut as Annie in a Japanese stage production to her international breakthrough in F9 and Pachinko, Sawai has consistently demonstrated her acting prowess. Her role as Lady Mariko in Shogun, however, has propelled her to new heights. This performance not only garnered her widespread recognition but also led to a historic win at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, where she became the first Japanese actress to win any Primetime Emmy and the first actress of Asian descent to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. This Emmy victory undoubtedly positions her as a strong contender for the Golden Globe.

Shogun’s Unprecedented Success

Shogun’s impact extends beyond Sawai’s individual achievement. The series itself has made history, becoming the first Japanese-language series to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series. Its record-breaking 18 Emmy wins across various categories underscores its exceptional quality and widespread acclaim. This overwhelming success reflects well on the entire cast and crew, further bolstering Sawai’s chances at the Golden Globes. The show’s meticulous attention to detail, its commitment to authenticity with a predominantly Japanese cast and dialogue, and its compelling narrative have resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Will it win again with Anna Sawai’s performance? Betting site 22bet21.com thinks so, offering odds of 1.1/1 or 83.3%.

The Power of Lady Mariko

Sawai’s portrayal of Lady Mariko, a complex and intelligent woman navigating the treacherous political landscape of feudal Japan, is central to Shogun’s success. Based on the historical figure Hosokawa Gracia, Mariko serves as a bridge between the clashing cultures of John Blackthorne, the English sailor, and Lord Toranaga, the powerful daimyo. Her loyalty, resilience, and invaluable translation skills make her an indispensable figure in the unfolding drama. Sawai embodies Mariko’s strength and vulnerability with remarkable nuance, captivating viewers and critics alike. This compelling performance, combined with the show’s overall success, makes her a serious contender for the Golden Globe.

The Competition

While Sawai’s performance and Shogun’s success are undeniable, the competition remains fierce. Each nominee brings a unique strength to the table, from Emma D’Arcy’s fiery portrayal of Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon to Kathy Bates’s return to television in Matlock. Keira Knightley, Kerri Russell, and Maya Erskine also deliver compelling performances in their respective roles, making this category one of the most anticipated of the night.

Predicting the outcome of any awards ceremony is inherently speculative. However, several factors favor Anna Sawai. Her Emmy win provides significant momentum, demonstrating industry recognition of her talent. Shogun’s critical acclaim and historic Emmy sweep further solidify her position as a frontrunner. The depth and complexity of Lady Mariko, combined with Sawai’s nuanced performance, offer a compelling case for her to win the Golden Globe. While the competition is undoubtedly strong, Anna Sawai has a significant chance of taking home the award, marking another milestone in her already impressive career.