FX’s Shogun, a sweeping historical epic set in feudal Japan, captured the prestigious Best Ensemble in a Drama Series award at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on Sunday night. The series, which delves into the intricate political machinations of the samurai era, triumphed over tough competition in a stellar year for television drama.
The win marks a significant milestone for the show, which features a predominantly Japanese cast. Hiroyuki Sanada, who portrays Lord Yoshii Toranaga, expressed pride in the groundbreaking representation of Japanese culture. “Seventy percent Japanese, and with subtitles, it must have been a big gamble for them,” Sanada said. “But Shogun and this award show us that acting is a universal language.”
In addition to the ensemble award, Shogun saw individual accolades for its cast. Anna Sawai was named Best Female Actor in a Drama Series, and Sanada himself claimed the Best Male Actor honor. Both actors are first-time winners, and their emotional speeches underscored the personal significance of the achievement.
A visibly moved Sawai, with tears in her eyes, reflected on her journey. “Very happy, but I’m also kind of sad, because this is probably the last time I’ll be able to celebrate this work with you guys,” she said. “I love you, the whole FX team.”
Sanada, who began his acting career at the age of five in Japan and moved to Los Angeles two decades ago, shared the depth of his gratitude. “I put everything, every single experience in my life into Shogun, and Shogun brought me here,” he said.
Meanwhile, Only Murders in the Building pulled off an unexpected victory in the Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series category, surpassing frontrunners like The Bear and Hacks. A surprised Selena Gomez, who stars in the hit Hulu series, joked, “We never win. This is so weird.” Holding her award, she added, “I’m taking it home for all of us and bringing this back to New York.”
Jessica Gunning claimed Best Actress in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her role as the chilling stalker Martha Scott in Netflix’s Baby Reindeer. Reflecting on her rise to prominence, Gunning shared a personal story about a vision board she created years ago when she was working a desk job. “Cate Blanchett, Jodie Foster, and Kathy Bates were on that vision board,” she said. “To be nominated alongside them, and then to win, is an honor.”
Colin Farrell also took home an award, winning Best Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for his portrayal of the title character in HBO Max’s The Penguin. During his acceptance speech, Farrell reflected on the unpredictable and playful nature of acting. “The beautiful thing—and the annoying thing—about what we do is that it’s unquantifiable,” he said. “It’s playtime. You never fully grow up.”
The SAG Awards celebrated both established stars and rising talents, underscoring the diversity and creativity of modern television.
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