Anna Sawai Triumphs at Golden Globes, Honors Kathy Bates in Her Emotional Speech
Anna Sawai recently took the spotlight at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, winning her first-ever Golden Globe for Best Female Actor in a TV Drama. The award was a recognition of her captivating performance as Toda Mariko in the epic FX drama Shōgun . In a brief but heartfelt acceptance speech, Sawai thanked the voters, but in a surprising twist, she showed deep respect for her fellow nominee, Kathy Bates, who was up for her role in Matlock . Sawai humbly declared, "Thank you to the voters for voting for me, even though I would vote for Kathy Bates any day."
This gesture of kindness and admiration for Bates, who has been a legendary presence in Hollywood for decades, made Sawai’s victory speech even more memorable. Sawai further expressed her gratitude towards the writers of Shōgun , stating, "Without a good script, it’s impossible to give a performance to our fullest potential," before wrapping up with, "Thank you to everyone else. I’m going to thank you later!" Her words resonated with the audience, showcasing the power of humility and the importance of collaboration in the entertainment industry.
Sawai's role in Shōgun is groundbreaking in many ways. She portrays Toda Mariko, a highborn woman serving as a translator between the Japanese ruler Yoshii Toranaga, played by Hiroyuki Sanada, and the English mariner John Blackthorne, portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis. Sawai’s win places her in the spotlight as a trailblazer, and her performance in the historical drama has earned widespread acclaim.
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She triumphed over other notable nominees, including Bates, Emma D’Arcy from House of the Dragon , Keira Knightley from Black Doves , Keri Russell from The Diplomat , and Maya Erskine from Mr. & Mrs. Smith . This victory comes after Shōgun had already made history by winning 18 Emmy Awards in 2024, including a monumental win for Sawai as the first Japanese actress to claim a Primetime Emmy.
The success of Shōgun didn’t stop there. At the Golden Globes, the series also took home Best TV Drama, Best Male Actor in a Drama for Hiroyuki Sanada, and Best Male Supporting Actor in a Drama for Tadanobu Asano. Sawai’s win further solidifies her place in Hollywood, where she continues to shine brightly with a diverse range of roles in both action-packed films like F9 and the critically acclaimed drama Pachinko .
Born in New Zealand and raised in Japan, Sawai’s rise to fame has been remarkable. She began her acting career at just 11 years old and has since become a beloved figure in both Japan and internationally. Her Golden Globe win marks a historic moment, not just for her, but also for the global representation of Asian actors in mainstream television.
Sawai’s Golden Globe victory is a testament to her immense talent and the recognition she rightfully deserves. In a world where diversity is increasingly celebrated, her win represents more than just personal achievement; it is a victory for all who dream of making their mark in Hollywood. As Sawai continues to soar, her humility and dedication to her craft serve as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and respect for one's peers.
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