Shōgun's Anna Sawai Tears Up over 'Emotional' Emmy Nomination, Declares She's Leaving Music Career for Acting

Mar. 15, 2025

Anna Sawai at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on Sept. 15.Photo:Amy Sussman/Getty

Amy Sussman/Getty

ShōgunstarAnna Sawaiis savoring her first PrimetimeEmmy Awardnomination.

The Japanese actress, 32, held back tears while speaking toE! Live From the Red CarpethostLaverne Coxon Sunday, Sept. 15, calling her nod “emotional” as she reflected on how the FX drama has changed the trajectory of her career.

“It’s just very emotional,” said Sawai, whose performance as Lady Mariko onShōgunis recognized in the leading dramatic actress category this year. “It’s very huge. I am just so happy for the entire team.”

Anna Sawai in ‘Shogun’.Katie Yu/FX

Katie Yu/FX

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On the Emmys red carpet, Sawai indicated she has shifted her focus from music to acting. “I feel like I’m not going to do music,” she said. “But I would love to do a music-themed movie, maybe. I think there’s a lot to talk about in that industry.”

Faky’s first album,The One, was released in 2014. Sawai left the group in 2018 to pursue acting, with new members stepping in and making more music. The group disbanded after their final performance on Jan. 13, 2024.

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Anna Sawai at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on Sept. 15.Amy Sussman/Getty

During an appearance onPEOPLE in 10in April, Sawaiadmittedit was difficult to leave Lady Mariko behind after wrappingShōgun. “I couldn’t talk about certain scenes or the character without tearing up," she said at the time.

SeePEOPLE’s full coverageof the 76th annual Primetime Emmy Awards as they’re broadcasting live on ABC from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

source: people.com