Critics’ Choice Awards 2025: Will Hiroyuki Sanada Win Best Actor in a Drama Series for Shogun?

The 30th annual Critics Choice Awards, a night celebrating excellence in film and television, is set to air live on E! from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on January 12, 2025. Among the highly anticipated awards is Best Actor in a Drama Series, and one performance generating significant buzz belongs to Hiroyuki Sanada for his compelling portrayal of Lord Toranaga in FX’s historical drama, Shōgun. Will Sanada’s nuanced performance earn him another prestigious accolade? The anticipation is building.

A Legacy of Excellence

Hiroyuki Sanada boasts a career spanning decades, marked by numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, two Hochi Film Awards, and recognition from the Japanese government with the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon. From his early days as a protégé of Sonny Chiba to his international acclaim in films like Ring, The Last Samurai, and Avengers: Endgame, Sanada has consistently delivered powerful performances. His portrayal of the Fool in Shakespeare’s King Lear even earned him an honorary OBE. Sanada’s presence in Hollywood continues to grow, with recent roles in Bullet Train and John Wick: Chapter 4.

Shōgun’s Triumph

Shōgun, based on the James Clavell novel, tells the story of the intersection of English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and the powerful daimyo, Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), in feudal Japan. The series, primarily in Japanese with a predominantly Japanese cast, has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its directing, writing, visuals, and faithfulness to the source material. Sanada’s performance as Toranaga, a fictionalized version of Tokugawa Ieyasu, has been singled out as a highlight.

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A Historic Emmy Win

Sanada’s portrayal of Toranaga already made history. In 2024, he became the first Japanese actor to win a Primetime Emmy Award, specifically for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He also received an Emmy as a producer for Shōgun, which itself won the Outstanding Drama Series award, setting a record with 18 Emmy wins in a single season. Sanada’s performance has also earned him nominations for a Gotham TV Award, a Television Critics Association Award, and an Astra TV Award. He is also set to receive the inaugural award for best TV series performance at the EnergaCAMERIMAGE International Film Festival.

The Critics’ Choice Prediction

Given Sanada’s impressive performance and the overwhelming success of Shōgun, he stands a strong chance of winning the Critics Choice Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. His nuanced portrayal of the complex and powerful Toranaga has resonated with audiences and critics alike. The series itself has been lauded for its historical accuracy, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals. Sanada’s performance anchors the series, bringing depth and gravitas to the role.

A Moment of Recognition

A win for Sanada at the Critics Choice Awards would further solidify his status as a leading actor in both international and American television. It would also be a significant moment of recognition for Shōgun, a series that has captivated audiences with its compelling story and stunning portrayal of feudal Japan.