‘Shōgun’ Star Anna Sawai’s One Gnawing Fear About Her Performance in the Show Was Completely Dismantled by the Emmys

SUMMARY

• Anna Sawai still believes she didn't do enough in her performance in FX's Shōgun.
• The actress humbly deflects compliments about her recent Emmy nomination.
• She confessed her role as Lady Toda Mariko was mentally challenging.

Show More▼

Anna Sawai may become the first Japanese actress to take home an Emmy win for her role as Lady Toda Mariko on FX’s Shōgun. The actress, who found fame in J-Pop before transitioning to acting, still tries to wrap her head around the fact that she’s made it to Hollywood.

Credits: Anna Sawai in Shōgun / FX

Based on James Clavell’s best-selling novel, the series takes place in Feudal Japan where Hiroyuki Sanada’s Lord Yoshii Toranaga uncovers the secrets behind the mysterious European ship found in a nearby village. As for her possible Lead Dramatic Actress win, Sawai immediately shoved the praises to the side, perhaps out of disbelief or genuine humility.

Anna Sawai Still Criticizes Her Performance In FX’s Shōgun

After appearing on 2009’s Ninja Assassin and 2021’s F9: The Fast Saga, New Zealand-born Japanese actress Anna Sawai still finds it hard to believe she starred in a critically acclaimed series. Apart from being a rookie in the business, she also deals with harsh self-criticism.

In her interview with W Magazine, she detailed how she felt unsure about her performance in Shōgun. She constantly found herself contemplating if she had “given enough to the character because she was so beautifully written”.

Playing Lady Toda Mariko was quite a challenge for the 32-year-old actress. Her storyline started with an undetermined fate, but it changed after the arrival of the Protestant English maritime pilot John Blackthorne on the Japanese shore.

Sawai was lauded for her performance, but she felt like she didn’t do enough. “When I finally watched Shōgun, I could see all the things that I wished I could fix,” she lamented, eventually admitting not having the slightest idea how to rectify them.

Credits: Anna Sawai in Shōgun / FX

Now that she has been nominated for the Emmy Awards, she played it modestly by responding to people, “Shut up, that’s so silly,” in her most down-to-earth manner. Until now, Sawai still cannot comprehend how she has become a part of that conversation.

In fact, Shōgun dominated the Emmys with 25 nominations. As soon as the news erupted, Sawai instantly became the next big star. She was contacted for interviews and job offers. “I’m still trying to take it all in,” she stated referring to the sudden trajectory movement of her career, which is certainly heading straight to the top.

Anna Sawai On Getting An Emmy Nomination

Credits: Anna Sawai in Shōgun / FX

Sawai called her Emmy nod a “surreal moment” in her interview with Good Morning America. She recalled watching the video in her hotel room and people were already suggesting to her that she might have her name on the list, but she didn’t believe it until it happened.

The actress also considered her role mentally challenging, but all the struggles she faced while filming the show were all worth it and meaningful because Shōgun was a success and had a massive impact on the audience.

Perhaps Sawai will have more confidence now that she’s earned herself a prestigious award that celebrates not only her acting prowess but the show’s unique storytelling as well.

 Shōgun is currently available to watch on Hulu.

Written by Ariane Cruz

Articles Published: 2467

Ariane Cruz, Senior Writer. She has been contributing articles for FandomWire since 2021, mostly covering stories about the latest movies and series. With a degree in Communication Arts, she has an in-depth knowledge of print and broadcast journalism. Her other works can also be seen on Screen Rant and CBR.