Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:27 pm GMT
At this year’s Emmy Awards, the buzz surrounding FX’s “Shōgun” reached a fever pitch, largely due to its lead actor and producer, Hiroyuki Sanada. Looking forward to reconnecting with his peers, Sanada expressed enthusiasm about the potential reunion, noting, “I haven’t seen them in maybe two years.” His anticipation is shared by fellow cast members and showrunners, emphasizing the camaraderie that has developed throughout the show’s journey.
Emmy Celebrations with Gold House
The excitement surrounding the Emmys was palpable earlier this week during Gold House’s inaugural One House Toast to the Emmys. The event, which took place at the Maybourne Hotel in Beverly Hills, celebrated this year’s multicultural nominees in film and television. The gathering, co-hosted by Macro and Nissan, brought together “Shōgun” cast members, including Sanada and co-star Anna Sawai, along with showrunners Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks.
The focus of the evening was to honor the achievements of diverse voices in the industry, which was highlighted by Sanada’s return to the spotlight following “Shōgun’s” impressive accolades.
Diversity on Display
This year marks a significant milestone for Emmy nominations, with 30 actors of color recognized across various categories. Among those highlighted are Lily Gladstone from “Under the Bridge” and Kali Reis from “True Detective: Night Country,” who have made history as the first Indigenous women to receive acting nominations. Notably, “Shōgun” stands out for delivering a significant number of AAPI acting nominees, showcasing the increasing representation of Asian and Pacific Islander talent on screen.
Record-Breaking Achievements
“Shōgun” not only celebrated its nominations but also made headlines for breaking records during the Creative Arts Emmys by winning 14 awards, the most in a single season. Kondo, present at the event, expressed her disbelief at the show’s success, stating, “We won in categories I didn’t think we’d win in.” This achievement underscores the show’s impact and the breadth of storytelling it offers.
Fresh Faces and Enthusiasm
Among the attendees was actress Moeka Hoshi, who plays Usami Fuji in “Shōgun.” This marked her first Hollywood event, and she conveyed her excitement about being part of the celebration. Hoshi shared her enthusiasm for the show and expressed her admiration for the nominations, noting that she has been keeping tabs on awards predictions.
The atmosphere during the One House Toast emphasized a sense of community and support among artists from varied backgrounds, as attendees celebrated not just their individual merits but also the collective progress in representation within the industry.
Advancing Representation
Gold House’s commitment to reshaping representation in Hollywood continues to resonate through its initiatives. The organization has played a vital role in supporting multicultural narratives over the past year, providing research, cultural consultancy, and marketing for over 100 films and television projects, including “Shōgun” and “Pachinko.”
Tiffany Chao, Vice President of Entertainment and Media at Gold House, remarked on the progress made in television: “The stories we watch are starting to reflect the diversity of our real world.” The diversity of this year’s nominees was evident at the One House Toast, with over twenty Emmy nominees representing various communities.
Celebrating Progress
Stacey Walker King, Chief Brand Officer of Macro, echoed the significance of the gathering. She noted that not long ago, such a celebration may not have been possible, emphasizing the strides made toward inclusivity in entertainment. The event served as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and uplifting diverse voices in Hollywood.
A Star-Studded Evening
Numerous notable guests attended the One House Toast, including “Quiz Lady” actors Awkwafina and Sandra Oh, as well as writer Jen D’Angelo and “True Detective: Night Country” actor Kali Reis. Each of these attendees shares a collective mission to enhance representation in storytelling across all mediums.
Additionally, Richard Gadd and colleagues from Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” made a brief appearance following their Q&A session, expressing their disbelief over the level of recognition faced with announcements of nominations. Gadd noted his excitement about mingling with long-time industry friends and legends, highlighting the shared thrill in being a part of such an exhilarating event.
Looking Ahead
As the Emmy Awards approach, the anticipation continues to build, particularly for the cast and crew of “Shōgun.” The show, already with strong acknowledgment, is set to return for a second season and promises a “darker” narrative. Sanada’s excitement about reconnecting with his cast mirrors the broader excitement within the industry for what lies ahead in the realm of storytelling.
The One House Toast not only set the stage for the upcoming awards ceremony but also illuminated the progress being made in terms of diversity and representation in Hollywood. As voices from all backgrounds continue to rise, the industry may become more reflective of the audience it serves, an evolution that has become increasingly vital in the realms of creativity and culture.
This year’s Emmy celebrations show how far we’ve come, but they also remind us there’s still more to do. With shows like “Shōgun” taking the lead, it seems like Hollywood is heading toward a brighter and more inclusive future.
