This victory capped a record-breaking year for the show, which took home an astounding 18 Emmys in total, solidifying its place as a monumental achievement in television history.
Set in 17th-century Japan, Shōgun captivated viewers with its blend of rich historical narrative and deeply emotional storytelling. The series follows two men from vastly different worlds: John Blackthorne, an English sailor portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis, who is shipwrecked in Japan, and Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a powerful samurai warlord played by Hiroyuki Sanada, who must navigate the dangerous and complex political landscape of feudal Japan. The series explores the intricate relationships between these two men as they form a tentative bond, all while dealing with the larger cultural and military tensions of the time.
Shōgun was a standout at the Creative Arts Emmys, securing 14 wins in various technical categories, such as Outstanding Cinematography, Production Design, and Costume Design. The show’s additional four wins on the main Emmys night included individual acting awards for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai for their portrayals of Lord Toranaga and Lady Mariko, respectively. With this impressive haul, Shōgun has not only redefined what historical dramas can achieve but also raised the bar for future productions.
Accepting the award for Outstanding Drama Series, co-creator Justin Marks expressed his gratitude to FX’s team, including John Landgraf, Gina Balin, and Nick Grad, for their support in bringing the show to life. "You guys greenlit a very expensive, subtitled, Japanese period piece whose central climax revolves around a poetry competition. I have no idea why you did that, but thank you for your faith in this incredible team," Marks said, receiving laughter and applause from the audience.
He then passed the microphone to Hiroyuki Sanada, who gave a heartfelt speech in Japanese, thanking the crew and directors who have carried the torch for samurai period dramas over the years. Sanada’s words were a moving tribute to the passion and dedication that went into making Shōgun, as well as a nod to the legacy of Japanese cinema and television that influenced the series.
Competing against Shōgun for Outstanding Drama Series were other heavyweight nominees, including The Crown, Fallout, The Gilded Age, The Morning Show, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Slow Horses, and 3 Body Problem. Each of these shows brought unique stories to the table, but Shōgun’s immersive world-building and masterful character arcs set it apart from the competition.
The Crown, which concluded its sixth and final season, was one of the main contenders. Its season centered on Princess Diana’s final days before her tragic death, as well as the relationship between Prince William and Kate Middleton. The show's leads, Dominic West and Imelda Staunton, were also in the running for individual awards for their portrayals of King Charles and Queen Elizabeth, respectively, but ultimately did not take home wins in those categories.
Another strong contender was the much-anticipated video game adaptation Fallout, set in a post-apocalyptic world. The show, based on the popular game series, tells the story of a young woman named Lucy MacLean (played by Ella Purnell), who must brave the surface of a nuclear-ravaged world to find her kidnapped father. Walter Goggins, who played a central role as a character known as Ghoul, was also nominated for Outstanding Actor in a drama series.
The Gilded Age, the period drama from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, focused on the old-money versus new-money power dynamics of late 19th-century New York. Christine Baranski and Carrie Coon gave standout performances as characters from the opposing sides of society and were nominated for individual acting awards as well. Their portrayals of the reserved Agnes van Rhijn and the ambitious new-money matriarch Bertha Russell, respectively, were widely praised, though they too fell short in their categories.
Returning to the Emmys was The Morning Show, starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon as UBA news anchors dealing with both personal and professional crises. Season 3 added Jon Hamm as a billionaire tech mogul, injecting new drama into the series. Despite receiving 10 nominations, including nods for Aniston and Witherspoon, The Morning Show didn’t win in the main categories this year.
As the curtain closes on the 2024 Emmy Awards, Shōgun’s historic sweep leaves a lasting impression on both the industry and audiences. With its stunning cinematography, compelling performances, and bold storytelling, the show has not only won the top drama prize but has cemented itself as a cultural phenomenon, ensuring its place in the annals of television history.
