Hiroyuki Sanada had a night to remember at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards! Thanks to his powerful performance as Yoshii Toranaga in FX’s Shōgun, the legendary Japanese actor took home the award for Best Actor in a Drama Series on Friday, February 7.
The competition was fierce—Sanada was up against some of the biggest names in television, including Jeff Bridges (The Old Man), Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who), Eddie Redmayne (The Day of the Jackal), Rufus Sewell (The Diplomat), and Antony Starr (The Boys). But when his name was called at the ceremony, held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, he looked completely stunned.
“Oh my gosh!” he exclaimed as he stepped onto the stage, still processing the moment. After taking a deep breath, he thanked FX, Disney, and Hulu—the networks behind the historical epic, which was created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks. Sanada admitted that while filming Shōgun, he never imagined it would lead to such prestigious recognition.
Of course, he made sure to acknowledge the incredible cast and crew who brought the series to life, expressing his gratitude for their hard work and dedication. But he also took a heartfelt moment to honor some real-life heroes—the Los Angeles firefighters who battled the devastating wildfires last month.
“You guys are my heroes,” he said, paying tribute to those who risked their lives to protect the city after thousands of acres were scorched, leaving many without homes.
Friday’s win was a major milestone for Sanada, completing his award-season sweep—he had already won Best Actor in a Drama Series at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards in January and the Primetime Emmys in September 2024.
Sanada’s continued success marks a significant moment in Hollywood, as he remains one of the few Japanese actors to achieve such mainstream recognition in the industry. Beyond Shōgun, he’s no stranger to high-profile roles—he captivated audiences in The Last Samurai alongside Tom Cruise, starred in 47 Ronin with Keanu Reeves, and went head-to-head with Hugh Jackman in The Wolverine.
The Critics Choice Awards, hosted for the third consecutive year by comedian Chelsea Handler, was packed with A-list presenters, including Kristen Bell, Michelle Yeoh, and Kathryn Hahn. But for Sanada, the night was all about gratitude—for his team, his craft, and the heroes who make a real difference in people’s lives.