Shogun Cast’s Emotional 2025 SAG Award Reaction: What Did They Say After Their Big Win?

On February 23, 2025, the cast of FX’s Shogun celebrated a triumphant night at the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, clinching the coveted Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series award. As the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles erupted in applause, Hiroyuki Sanada led the charge, joined by co-stars like Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, and others, delivering heartfelt remarks that captured the group’s gratitude and pride.

This historic win—part of a four-award haul for the series—marked a milestone for the Japanese-language epic, and the cast’s collective response revealed the depth of their journey. Here’s everything they shared in the spotlight and beyond, from the stage to the press room.

What Did the Shōgun Cast Say Onstage After Winning the SAG Award?

The moment the Shōgun ensemble took the stage, Hiroyuki Sanada, also a producer on the series, spoke for the group with palpable emotion. “Thank you so much for recognizing us,” he began, emphasizing the award’s weight: “This is so special because it is from you guys.” Flanked by castmates including Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Tommy Bastow, Shinnosuke Abe, Hiroto Kanai, and Moeka Hoshi, Sanada praised FX and creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo for “respecting our culture and believing in us.” He highlighted the risk of a show that’s “70% Japanese and with subtitles,” calling it a “big gamble” that paid off, proving “acting is a universal language.”

The cast’s unified presence radiated pride, their shared smiles echoing the journey of bringing feudal Japan to global screens.

How Did Hiroyuki Sanada Reflect on the Ensemble’s Journey?

Sanada’s words carried the collective sentiment of a team that defied odds. He described the Shōgun experience as “a great journey,” a sentiment echoed in his individual win earlier that night for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series. In the press room, he expanded on this, telling reporters, “We couldn’t have imagined these kinds of things happening when we shot a few years ago.”

The cast’s gamble on authenticity—70% Japanese dialogue with subtitles—tested audience reception, but Sanada noted the turning point: “After episode one and two aired, we saw the numbers and felt like, ‘Oh, they enjoyed it.’” The ensemble’s faith in each other and the project shone through, cementing their SAG victory as a shared triumph.

What Did Anna Sawai Add to the Cast’s Collective Joy?

Anna Sawai, fresh off her own win for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, brought an emotional layer to the group’s reaction. Though she didn’t speak during the ensemble acceptance, her tears earlier that night spoke volumes. Accepting her individual award, she said, “I’m very happy but also kind of sad because this is probably the last time I’m able to celebrate the work with you guys,” addressing the FX team and cast.

In the press room, she joined Sanada and others, beaming as they reflected on Shōgun’s sweep—four wins, including the stunt ensemble award. Her presence reinforced the cast’s tight-knit bond, a recurring theme in their post-win chatter about “family” and “trust.”

Why Did the Cast Emphasize Cultural Respect and Risk-Taking?

A recurring thread in the cast’s statements was gratitude for FX’s bold vision. Sanada’s onstage mention of “respecting our culture” wasn’t just a throwaway line—it mirrored what the ensemble felt about the project’s authenticity. In interviews, cast members like Tadanobu Asano and Tommy Bastow nodded to the bravery of producing a subtitled, Japanese-heavy series in a Western market. “They were so brave,” Sanada said of the creative team, a sentiment the group rallied behind.

This collective pride in breaking barriers—culminating in Shōgun’s SAG dominance alongside its Emmy and Golden Globe hauls—underscored their belief that storytelling can unite across languages and cultures.

What’s Next for the Shōgun Cast After Their SAG Triumph?

The cast didn’t just bask in the win—they teased what’s ahead. Sanada hinted at Season 2, telling press he’s ready to “don his samurai armor once again,” sparking excitement about the series’ future beyond James Clavell’s novel. While the ensemble award marked a peak for Season 1, the cast’s camaraderie suggested they’re eager to reunite.

“It’s a family,” Sawai had said earlier, a feeling echoed as they posed with their trophies, laughing and hugging. Their collective joy at the SAG Awards—streamed live on Netflix—left fans buzzing, eager for more from this history-making crew.

Some Closing Thoughts: Why the Shōgun Cast’s Words Matter

The Shōgun cast’s reaction to their 2025 SAG Award win was a mix of humility, gratitude, and celebration of a groundbreaking achievement. From Sanada’s universal language of acting to Sawai’s tearful farewell to their shared journey, their words painted a picture of a team united by passion and purpose.

As the first Japanese-language series to dominate awards season, their collective voice amplified Shōgun’s cultural impact.

This SAG victory isn’t just a trophy—it’s a testament to their belief in each other and a story that’s redefined television, leaving us all anticipating their next chapter.

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