Who is Anna Sawai, the Emmy Award-winning actress making waves in Hollywood

Anna Sawai recently made headlines when she took centre stage at the 2024 Emmy Awards ceremony earlier this week. The star was a part of the historic drama, Shogun, which recently shattered the Emmy record with 18 Emmy Awards – the most any show has ever won for a single season. But it wasn’t just the accolades that had everyone talking. In fact, Anna made her name for herself as the first actor of Asian descent to win the Emmy for Best Actress (Drama), for her portrayal of Lady Mariko in Shōgun. 

But there’s much more to this talented starlet than meets the eye. As her name continues to set the internet abuzz, we’ve uncovered some fascinating facts you probably didn’t know about her.

1. She was part of a Japanese girl group

Play

Born in New Zealand, Anna Sawai moved to Japan during her childhood, where she quickly rose to fame as a founding member and leader of the all-female music group, FAKY, which debuted in 2013. She was in the group for five years and left when her contract expired in 2018, before she started her professional acting career. 

2. She landed her first role at 11 years old

Before her big break for her roles in shows like Giri/Haji in 2019 and F9 from the Fast & Furious franchise in 2019, the actress was in the 2004 Nippon TV production of Annie.

3. She was drawn to performing from the age of 7

Anna had always dreamed of being a star when she first watched Britney Spears’ music videos, mesmerised by the pop icon’s energy and charisma. With the guidance of her mother, an opera-trained vocalist, she honed her singing skills. As a young girl, Anna also fell in love with film, especially the Tomb Raider series starring Angelina Jolie, which remains one of her all-time favourites to this day.

4. She played a strong role in Pachinko 

Play

When it comes to portraying strong female characters, Anna Sawai knows how to deliver. Before taking on a leading role in Shōgun, she made waves as Naomi in the 2022 Apple TV+ historical drama Pachinko, a series that highlights the struggles of Korean immigrants in 20th-century Japan.

In Pachinko, Anna plays Naomi, a sharp and enigmatic Harvard-educated businesswoman who confronts discrimination in the workplace. Her powerful performance resonated with audiences, and she reprises the role in the much-anticipated second season, now streaming on Apple TV+.

5. She is the first Asian to win Lead Actress in a Drama series at Emmys

Anna Sawai, who is of Japanese descent, took home the award for her role as Toda Mariko in Shōgun. 

“I was already crying before they even said my name. I’m a mess today,” she joked, earning a warm laugh from the audience.

In her heartfelt speech, Sawai expressed gratitude to the Academy and her fellow nominees, many of whom she said she had “grown up watching.” 

Sawai also thanked her family, especially her mother, who was by her side at the awards show. “Mom, I love you. You’re the reason I’m standing here today. You taught me stoicism, and it’s because of you that I could portray Mariko,” she said.

6. She currently resides in Tokyo 

Anna Sawai has kept her personal life private, with no public record of marriage or relationships. Fluent in both English and Japanese, she effortlessly navigates her career between international projects. Currently based in Tokyo, Sawai continues to build her impressive career across acting and music.

7. She is Cartier’s new brand ambassador

Fresh off her historic Emmy win, Anna Sawai was also named the newest brand ambassador for Cartier. She joins K-pop sensation Hyunjin from Stray Kids, who was announced as a fellow ambassador just days before.

Earlier this year, she played a key role in launching Nature Sauvage, the brand’s stunning High Jewellery collection, solidifying her place as a style icon on and off the screen.