Japanese period drama Shogun reigns over 2024 Emmys alongside The Bear and Baby Reindeer

The hit British series picked awards in four major categories including two for Gadd, best supporting actress for Jessica Gunning and best limited series

Japanese historical drama Shogun has made history after winning top gongs at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, alongside The Bear and Baby Reindeer.

The ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles featured a handful of TV reunions including father and son hosts Eugene and Dan Levy with their Schitt’s Creek co-stars Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy, as well as the cast of drama West Wing.

Shogun won in the outstanding lead actor and actress in a drama category for its stars Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, before the cast picked up the gong for outstanding drama marking its 18th Emmy.

The show, based on James Clavell’s best-selling novel set during the 1600s, already held the record for the most wins by a show in a single year – having secured 14 gongs at the Creative Arts Emmys.

Japanese actor Sanada, who plays embattled samurai warlord Lord Yoshii Toranaga, said he was “beyond honoured” to receive the award, describing the drama as an “east meets west dream project with respect”.

“Shogun taught me that when people work together, we can make miracles. We can create a better future together,” he added.

While Sawai, who plays Lady Toda Mariko in the series, said she had been emotional all day. “This is to all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example for everyone,” she said.

Scottish star Richard Gadd collected three gongs for writing, producing and starring in Netflix hit series Baby Reindeer – which is said to be inspired by his real-life experiences of stalking and sexual assault.

“Look, 10 years ago I was down and out. I never ever thought I’d get my life together,” Gadd said during his first on-stage speech.

“I never ever thought I’d be able to rectify myself what had happened to me and get myself back on my feet again, and then here I am, just over a decade later, picking up one of the biggest writing awards in television.

“I don’t mean that to sound arrogant. I mean it as encouragement for anyone who’s going through a difficult time right now to persevere.

“I don’t know much about this life, I don’t know why we are here, none of that, but I do know that nothing lasts forever, and no matter how bad it gets, it always gets better.

“So if you’re struggling, keep going – keep going and I promise you things will be okay.”

After collecting his acting prize, Gadd thanked his mother and father who “never, ever told me what I needed to do with my life”, which he described as “the greatest gift a parent can give a child”.

“They always said follow your heart and the rest will fall into place, and I think it’s good advice, follow your heart and the rest will fall into place,” he said.

Gadd added that the gongs for Baby Reindeer proved that “there’s no set formula” to success, with the only constant being “good storytelling”.

The show made headlines after a woman, who claimed to be the inspiration behind the character Martha, filed a lawsuit against Netflix and accused the story of being inaccurate.

Gadd’s co-star Jessica Gunning won her first Emmy for best supporting actress in a limited or anthology series for playing Martha Scott, who stalks Gadd’s character Donny Dunn in the show.

The ceremony was also marked by first-time winners, including Oscar-winner Jodie Foster who won best lead actress in a limited or anthology series for her role in True Detective: Night Country.

She thanked the indigenous people of Northern Alaska who “told us their stories”, describing it as “deep and wonderful”.

Meanwhile, actress Elizabeth Debicki won her first Emmy Award for her role as Diana, Princess of Wales in Netflix’s The Crown; a fictionalised drama about the British royal family.

“Playing this part based on this unparalleled, incredible human being, has been my great privilege – it has been a gift,” she said on stage after collecting the award for outstanding supporting actress in a drama.

Hit TV show The Bear also took home a number of wins, including a first-time award for Liza Colon-Zayas for her supporting role as Tina.

The series is about a star chef (Jeremy Allen White) who returns to Chicago to run the family business after the death of his brother.

Allen White described himself as “so, so, so lucky” after picking up the Emmy for lead actor in a comedy series for his role as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto.

“This show has changed my life, it has instilled a faith that change is possible, that change is possible if you are able to reach out, you are really truly not actually alone,” he said on stage.

His win came after US actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach won best supporting actor for his role as restaurant manager Richard “Richie” Jerimovich and Christopher Storer picked up the directing award.

In their opening monologue, father-son hosting duo Eugene and Dan joked that the show – officially deemed a comedy programme – would be better off categorised as a drama.

The ceremony ended with a surprise triumph for TV show Hacks, starring Jean Smart, fending off reigning champion The Bear for best comedy.

It marked the second ceremony held this year, after the 2023 show was delayed by the Hollywood strikes.

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