'Shogun' Leads Television's Emmy With 25 Nominations

The hit drama series "Shogun" took viewers to early 17th-century Japan, and led television's Emmy nominations on Wednesday, receiving 25 nods.

"The Bear" broke the comedy record for most nominations in a single year with 23, surpassing "Only Murders in the Building" with 21.

"True Detective: Night Country," starring Jodie Foster, received the most nominations in the limited or anthology series category (19).

Nominees were unveiled in a live-streamed ceremony from Los Angeles, with final-round voting for the 76th Emmy Awards set for next month, prior to the September 15 presentation.

“Shogun” — adapted from James Clavell’s historical fiction novel — portrays the intricate and deadly court politics of feudal Japan.

Television Academy voters were not put off by the show’s heavy use of subtitles, showering nominations on its remarkable cast of Japanese heroes and villains.

Among those were lead actress Anna Sawai and lead actor Hiroyuki Sanada, who told AFP the nomination was “truly humbling.”

“It was a great opportunity to share our culture with the world. I hope this will be a stepping stone for the next generation,” Sanada said in an e-mailed statement.

With another two seasons already in the works, “Shogun” is a hot favourite across this year’s drama categories.

But surprisingly, there was no nomination for Cosmo Jarvis for his portrayal of the marooned English sailor who frames the show’s narrative for audiences.