Emmy Awards: Shogun, The Bear, and Baby Reindeer Win Top Honors
The Japanese historical drama Shogun took home several top honors at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, sharing the spotlight with the kitchen drama The Bear and the psychological thriller Baby Reindeer.
Held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the ceremony featured memorable TV reunions, including Schitt’s Creek stars Eugene and Dan Levy, who hosted, alongside co-stars Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy, as well as a gathering of West Wing cast members.
Shogun secured the awards for Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama, with Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai taking the honors. The show also won Outstanding Drama Series, marking its 18th Emmy win. Based on James Clavell’s bestselling novel set in 1600s Japan, Shogun previously made history by winning 14 awards at the Creative Arts Emmys, the most by a single show in a year.
Sanada, who portrays the embattled samurai Lord Yoshii Toranaga, expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition, calling Shogun an “east meets west dream project” rooted in mutual respect. “This series taught me that when people work together, we can create miracles and build a better future,” he said.
Scottish actor Richard Gadd took home three major awards for writing, producing, and starring in the Netflix hit Baby Reindeer, a series inspired by his real-life experiences of stalking and sexual assault.
During his first acceptance speech, Gadd reflected on his journey, saying, “Ten years ago, I was at rock bottom. I never thought I’d rebuild my life or recover from what happened to me. Yet, here I am, just over a decade later, winning one of the biggest writing awards in television.”
The show stirred controversy when a woman, claiming to be the inspiration for the character Martha, filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging inaccuracies in the portrayal of events. Despite the legal challenges, Baby Reindeer garnered critical acclaim.
Gadd’s co-star Jessica Gunning won her first Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series for her role as Martha Scott, the woman who stalks Gadd’s character, Donny Dunn.
The Emmy ceremony also celebrated several first-time winners, including Oscar-winner Jodie Foster, who earned the award for Best Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series for her role in True Detective: Night Country.
Jodie Foster expressed gratitude to the indigenous people of Northern Alaska, who “shared their stories,” calling the experience “deep and wonderful” during her acceptance speech.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Debicki earned her first Emmy Award for portraying Diana, Princess of Wales, in The Crown, Netflix’s fictionalized drama about the British royal family. The night also saw The Bear collect several wins, including a first Emmy for Liza Colón-Zayas for her supporting role as Tina.
The Bear, which follows star chef Jeremy Allen White’s character as he returns to Chicago to manage the family business after his brother’s death, was a major highlight of the night.
Allen White, who won the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, expressed his gratitude, saying, “This show has changed my life. It has instilled a belief that change is possible, and that you’re not truly alone if you reach out.”
