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FX’s Historic Night at the Emmys: ‘Shogun’ Wins Best Drama and Breaks Records
Discover how FX’s ‘Shogun’ made history at the Emmys by winning Best Drama and setting new records. Explore the highlights of this monumental night and what it means for the future of television.
Historic Night for FX at the Emmys
When Justin Marks, the visionary writer and producer behind the acclaimed series “Shogun,” took to the Emmys stage after his show clinched the prestigious title of Best Drama, he made it a point to acknowledge those who played a crucial role in this monumental achievement—the executive team at FX. With a mix of surprise and gratitude, he asked, “How did you decide to greenlight a show that not only comes with a hefty budget but is also predominantly in Japanese?”
He continued, “I have no idea why you did that, but thank you for your unwavering belief in this extraordinary team.” This moment marked a significant milestone for FX, a network that has cultivated an impressive roster of critically acclaimed series over the past two decades, including fan favorites like “American Horror Story,” “The Americans,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and “Atlanta.” Despite being overshadowed by bigger competitors like Netflix and HBO in terms of budget, FX had never before captured the coveted Best Drama award until this momentous Sunday night.
But the accolades didn’t stop there. “Shogun,” a masterful adaptation of the 1975 best-selling novel set in 17th-century feudal Japan on the verge of civil strife, had an astonishing night at the Emmys. It not only won the Best Drama award but also made history by setting a record for the most Emmys won by a single show in one evening, taking home an impressive total of 18 awards. Remarkably, it also became the first foreign language series—largely performed in Japanese, comprising about 70 percent of its dialogue—to win the Best Drama title, a category typically dominated by shows from the United States, the United Kingdom, or the fantastical realm of Westeros.
In another highlight of the evening, FX’s own “The Bear” secured several significant Emmys, including three prestigious acting awards. However, in a surprising twist, Max’s “Hacks” triumphed over “The Bear” to win the Best Comedy Series award, adding an unexpected layer to the night’s festivities.
Image Credit: Hiroyuki Sanada in a scene from “Shogun.” Credit… Katie Yu/FX, via Associated Press