Rubies Dazzle as Anna Sawai Shines at Emmy Awards as Cartier's New Brand Ambassador
Japanese actress Anna Sawai made history Sunday night at the Emmy Awards, becoming the first actress of Asian descent to win Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Shōgun, as reported by IndieWire.
At 32, Sawai secured her first Emmy in her debut nomination. The prestigious event also served as a platform for her to debut as an official ambassador for the iconic jewelry brand Cartier.
Sawai starred as Lady Mariko in Shōgun—a TV adaptation of James Clavell's 1975 novel, which tells the story of an English sailor in feudal Japan. The series was a tremendous success, sweeping up 14 trophies at the Creative Arts Emmys.
Photo credit: Anna Sawai gets the Emmy Award for Lead Acrtess in Shōgun (X - JonnyLeTran5)
At the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards, Sawai earned a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
In an interview with Vogue, Sawai expressed her excitement about her collaboration with Cartier: "To me, Cartier embodies class, sophistication, and timeless beauty. Even when I'm in a simple outfit, a Cartier ring makes me feel complete."
Jewelry: A Symbol of Love and Memory
After wrapping up the filming of Shōgun, Sawai wanted to express her gratitude to her mother for her unwavering support: "I bought her a Cartier Love ring—it's more than a piece of jewelry; it's a symbol of our deep bond."
For Sawai, jewelry carries profound significance: "Jewelry is more than an accessory—it's a memory. Each piece holds a story, reminding you of cherished moments or loved ones."
At the Emmy Awards, Sawai captivated the audience, not only with her talent but also with her carefully curated look. She wore a stunning red Vera Wang gown. "When my stylist asked if I had a favorite designer, Vera Wang was my immediate choice. Vera eagerly agreed to design a special dress for me," Sawai shared, speaking about her strapless gown featuring an elegant peplum at the waist.
Her ensemble was perfectly complemented by Cartier jewelry, adding a touch of regal sophistication. She adorned herself with platinum, diamond, and onyx earrings, accentuated by rubies, along with an 18-karat white gold Reflection ring featuring intricately cut diamonds. Her stylist, Karla Welch, praised the jewelry choices: "The entire look was clean, modern, and fit for a princess."
Though Shōgun has been renewed by Hulu, Sawai is unlikely to return as Lady Mariko. Hence, her appearance at the Emmy Awards was a symbolic farewell to the character that has been so pivotal in her career. "The red gown and diamonds were my homage to Lady Mariko," Sawai said.
From Pop Stardom to Emmy-Winning Actress
Although born in New Zealand, Anna Sawai’s career blossomed in Japan, where she moved with her family at age 10. Before making a name for herself as an actress, Sawai was the lead vocalist of the Japanese pop group Faky.
Prior to her role in Shōgun, Sawai starred in other notable productions, including Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Pachinko, both of which are original series on Apple TV+.
