Adam Vary
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:15 pm GMT
As the 2024 Emmy Awards approach, excitement is building around FX’s “Shōgun,” particularly for actor and producer Hiroyuki Sanada, who is eager to reconnect with his fellow cast members at the ceremony. “I haven’t seen them in maybe two years,” Sanada shared, expressing his anticipation for the upcoming reunion.
Honoring Multicultural Achievements
The Emmys this year are notable for their diverse nominations, with 30 individuals of color recognized across all acting categories. In a celebratory atmosphere, Sanada, along with co-star Anna Sawai, showrunners Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, attended Gold House’s inaugural One House Toast to the Emmys. This event, held on Thursday night at the Maybourne Hotel in Beverly Hills, honored the achievements of multicultural nominees in entertainment, co-hosted by Macro and Nissan.
Tiffany Chao, Vice President of Entertainment and Media at Gold House, commented on the progress being made in the industry, stating, “It’s on TV that we’re seeing progress — the stories we watch are starting to reflect the diversity of our real world.”
A Historic Year for “Shōgun”
“Shōgun” has made a significant impact this awards season, breaking records and garnering acclaim. The series not only stands out for its storytelling but also for its representation, delivering the highest number of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) nominees this year. It achieved a historic milestone, taking home 14 awards at the Creative Arts Emmys last weekend, which is the most wins for a single season in Emmy history.
Showrunner Rachel Kondo expressed her astonishment at the recognition, noting, “We won in categories I didn’t think we’d win in.” Such wins underscore the collective contribution of diverse talent in Hollywood, reflecting the ongoing commitment to inclusivity within the industry.
Significant Moments Beyond “Shōgun”
This year’s Emmy nominations also honored groundbreaking performances from individuals across various underrepresented communities. Notably, Lily Gladstone (“Under the Bridge”) and Kali Reis (“True Detective: Night Country”) made history as the first Indigenous women to receive acting nominations. Moreover, the final season of “Reservation Dogs” earned an overdue nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series, with star D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai becoming the first Indigenous lead actor in TV Academy history to receive a nomination.
Celebrating Asian Pacific Representation
The One House Toast event reflects Gold House’s ongoing mission to reshape Asian Pacific and multicultural representation within the entertainment industry. Their efforts in cultural consultation, investments, and research have positively impacted over 100 films and television shows in the past year, including acclaimed titles like “Shōgun” and “Pachinko.”
During the event, influential figures from various backgrounds gathered not only to celebrate the nominees but also to highlight the importance of representation in media. Attendees included “Quiz Lady” stars Awkwafina and Sandra Oh, as well as “True Detective” actor Kali Reis and “Queer Eye” host Bobby Berk.
Reflections from the Stars
Moeka Hoshi, known for her role as Usami Fuji in “Shōgun,” expressed her excitement about attending her first Hollywood party as she joined others in celebrating the show’s success. She reflected on the significance of awards, stating, “I’m always looking to see where ‘Shōgun’ is,” highlighting the enthusiasm shared among cast members.
Richard Gadd, from Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer,” also attended the event after participating in a Q&A session. He shared his initial disbelief over receiving an Emmy nomination, remarking on the exceptional achievements of his colleagues and expressing eagerness to connect with fellow nominees. “It blows my mind that we’re even in the same category,” Gadd remarked, particularly mentioning his admiration for Robert Downey Jr.
A Night of Celebration and Anticipation
The One House Toast not only serves as a celebration of current achievements but also emphasizes the ongoing progress within the industry. As individuals from varied backgrounds unite for the Emmys, the conversations around diversity and representation continue, showcasing the evolving landscape of television and film.
The ceremony is coming up soon, and everyone in the “Shōgun” cast and the other nominees are really excited. They are all dedicated to sharing real stories that connect with different people. Hiroyuki Sanada can’t wait to see his friends and coworkers again. These events are really important for the entertainment industry because they show how stories are changing and who gets to tell them.
