Shōgun’s Hiroyuki Sanada Claims Best Actor in a Drama Series at 2025 SAG Awards
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Hiroyuki Sanada emerged as the triumph at this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards, clinching the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series for his role in Shōgun. The ceremony, held on Sunday, Feb. 23, saw Sanada graciously accepting the prestigious accolade. In his acceptance speech, the actor expressed feeling like he was living a dream, thanking his fellow cast and crew for their incredible journey together. Sanada shared his gratitude by acknowledging his roots in acting, starting in Japan at the young age of five before transitioning to Hollywood two decades ago. He humbly credited the great filmmakers and actors he worked with for shaping his career, stating, “I can see some faces in this room.”
The emotional Sanada expressed how he poured his heart and soul, drawing from every experience in his life, into his role in Shōgun, leading him to this pivotal moment. He dedicated his win to all his colleagues throughout his career and his unwavering support team. Sanada’s portrayal of Lord Yoshii Toranaga in the series set in 1600s feudal Japan garnered critical acclaim since its premiere in February 2024. This triumph at the SAG Awards adds to his already impressive collection this award season, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Notably, Sanada made history at the 2024 Emmy Awards as the first Japanese actor to win outstanding actor in a drama series, only the second Asian actor to achieve this honor.
Among the other nominees in the category were his Shōgun co-star Tadanobu Asano, Jeff Bridges from The Old Man, Gary Oldman from Slow Horses, and Eddie Redmayne from The Day of the Jackal. Asano, who recently won at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards for best supporting actor in a TV series, introduced himself to the audience while expressing gratitude for the recognition. Shōgun received a total of four nominations at the SAG Awards, including nods for Asano and Sanada, along with their co-star Anna Sawai, and a nomination for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series.
Jeff Bridges, a veteran in the industry, landed his seventh SAG nomination for his role in The Old Man, portraying a former CIA spy. Bridges revealed the challenges he faced returning to the show after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021. Gary Oldman, known for his role in Slow Horses as MI-6 spymaster Jackson Lamb, expressed his willingness to retire after concluding the series, citing the character as iconic. Redmayne, recognized for his role as the hitman in The Day of the Jackal, shared the emotional fulfillment he found in his character and the audience’s connection to the story.
The dynamic performances of these talented actors at the 2025 SAG Awards showcased their dedication to their craft and the depth they bring to their respective roles. The recognition they received highlights the impact of their work on audiences and the industry as a whole. As these actors continue to captivate viewers with their compelling performances, their contributions to the world of entertainment remain integral to shaping the narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.