The 82nd Golden Globe Awards ceremony was successfully held recently in Beverly Hills, California. This year’s list of winners is star-studded, with the standout being internationally renowned Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada (Japanese: 真田広之, さなだ ひろゆき), who has been cultivating his career in Hollywood for over 20 years. He finally won the award for “Best Actor in a Dramatic Series” for his outstanding performance in the series “Shogun,” making him the first Asian actor to receive this accolade!
In addition to the widespread attention garnered by Hiroyuki Sanada’s consecutive wins at the Emmy Awards and Golden Globes, the original works from Walt Disney’s film and streaming platform (Disney+) have also achieved remarkable success! These productions won six major awards at this year’s ceremony, undoubtedly making them the big winners. In particular, “Shogun,” “Bear Restaurant,” and “Deep Pain Guided Tour” not only set new records for Walt Disney but also swept multiple prestigious honors at the 76th Emmy Awards. So, what sets these works apart? Let’s uncover their charm one by one!
Shōgun
Now Streaming Exclusively
In the six major awards, the Disney+ exclusive original series “Shōgun” has already won four awards, including: Best Series in the Television Drama category, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor.
This epic production of “Shogun” broke records upon its premiere, and after its satisfying conclusion, it received unanimous praise from global critics and websites. It earned a score of 9 on IMDB, 99% positive on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 91% audience rating, being hailed by netizens as “the show of the year”! Therefore, winning the “Best Series” award in the television drama category is certainly well-deserved!
The story revolves around three individuals with unique identities, intertwined in the turbulent tides of a grand era as they struggle for survival, sparking an incredibly shocking and treacherous power struggle. Faced with ruthless political conflicts and tests of life and death, the renowned general “Toranaga Yoshii” (Hiroyuki Sanada) becomes the target of many due to his rising fame. In order to survive, he must resist the combined threats of the Regency Council. At this moment, the mysterious British sailor “John Blackthorne” (Cosmo Jarvis) appears, unexpectedly becoming the key to turning the tide. Although they are unable to communicate directly due to language barriers, the noble descendant “Toda Mariko” (Anna Sawai) takes on the role of translator, carrying her father’s legacy. In this politically fraught storm, the fates of the three are tightly intertwined.
In the drama, Hiroyuki Sanada portrays General Yoshii Toranaga, inspired by the historical figure Tokugawa Ieyasu, and he has won the award for “Best Actor” in a television drama; meanwhile, Anna Sawai, who plays Mariko Toda, received the award for “Best Actress,” and Tadanobu Asano as the ambitious Yabuki Shigeru, also claimed the title of “Best Supporting Actor.”
When Sanada Hiroyuki expressed his thoughts on stage, he said: “I am very happy to stand here with so many outstanding nominees. I sincerely thank everyone in front of and behind the scenes of ‘Shogun,’ but more importantly, I want to thank those who have influenced my life; you have given me the opportunity to stand on this stage.” Finally, he also encouraged young actors and creators: “Please stay true to yourself, believe in yourself, and never give up. I wish you all the best.”
Actually, at the earlier 76th Emmy Awards ceremony, “Shogun” won an impressive 18 awards, including Best Drama Series. Hiroyuki Sanada took home the award for Best Actor in a Drama Series, making him the first Japanese Emmy Award winner for that category. Anna Sawai also won Best Actress in a Drama Series, becoming the first Asian Emmy Award winner in that category. The first season’s acclaim prompted Disney to happily announce that the team would be producing both a second and a third season, and confirmed that Hiroyuki Sanada would continue to participate in the upcoming installments, indeed raising everyone’s anticipation!
The Bear
Now streaming exclusively
“The Bear” is an engaging American psychological comedy-drama series that follows the story of Carmy (played by Jeremy Allen White), a celebrated chef who won the James Beard Award. After returning to his hometown of Chicago, he takes over his late brother’s Italian beef sandwich shop. Although Carmy hires the passionate young chef Sydney (played by Ayo Edebiri), he faces numerous challenges. The restaurant is not only in dire financial straits, but also contends with resistance from longtime employees led by manager Richie (played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and outdated kitchen equipment. In this struggle, Carmy must overcome various obstacles and work hard to revive the establishment.
The first season of the show premiered on Hulu on June 23, 2022, receiving widespread acclaim, particularly for its script, performances, and emotional depth. After three seasons, “Grizzly Bear Cafe” will also be available for streaming in its fourth season in 2025!
The American TV series that won multiple honors at the Golden Globe Awards in its first two seasons has once again triumphed at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, securing 11 awards this year, following its success last season. Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach retained their titles for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series; meanwhile, Jeremy Allen White once again earned the “Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical Series” award for his role in this show, showcasing his outstanding acting skills and the depth of his character—an impressive achievement!
A Real Pain
Release Date Pending
“A Real Pain” tells the story of two cousins, David (played by Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (played by Kieran Culkin), who embark on a journey to Poland after reuniting to mourn their beloved grandmother. However, as their family history gradually comes to light, past conflicts are rekindled, turning their adventure into a more dramatic experience.
What’s particularly special about this work is that it is Jesse Eisenberg’s second feature film as a director. Not only does he star in it, but he also embarks on a profound exploration of brotherhood and family history alongside Kieran Culkin. During their journey in Poland, they not only seek traces of their grandmother but also re-examine their relationship with one another, leaving audiences eager to see how this deeply moving story unfolds.
This heartwarming work has earned Kieran Culkin the “Best Supporting Actor” award in the film category, adding yet another accolade to Walt Disney’s collection, which is truly commendable!