Hiroyuki Sanada has made history by becoming the first Japanese actor to win the Emmy for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the 2024 Emmy Awards for his role as Lord Yoshii Toranaga in FX's 'Shōgun'. This win marks him as only the second Asian actor to achieve this honor, following Lee Jung-jae's victory in 2022. Sanada's performance has been widely praised, with critics highlighting his captivating presence and nuanced portrayal. His success at the Emmys is seen as a significant step toward increasing representation of Asian actors in leading roles in Hollywood. 'Shōgun' also won the Emmy for Best Drama Series, further showcasing the show's impact and success. Sanada expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that brought the project to life.