“Cosmo, you are the most honest and sincere actor I know and you made me give 120%.

“Thank you to my team and family. Mom, I love you. You are the reason I’m here. You showed me stoicism and that’s how I was able to play Mariko. This is for all the women who didn’t speak up and continue to be role models for everyone.”

Anna had followed her co-star Hiroyuki Sanada onto the stage, who had just won the award for Best Actor in a Drama Series, beating out Idris Elba (Kidnap), Donald Glover (Mr + Mrs Smith), Walton Goggins (Stand out), Gary Oldman (Slow horses) and Dominic West (The Crown).

He said: “Thank you so much. Oh my goodness. I am beyond honored to be here with such amazing nominees and thank you FX, Disney and Hulu for believing in me.”

“Thanks to my team who always supports me and thanks to the entire crew and cast of ShogunI am so proud of you. It was a dream project where East meets West, with respect.

“Shogun taught me that when people work together we can do wonders. Together we can create a better future, thank you very much.”

Anna Sawai played Lady Toda Mariko in the Disney production – based on the 1975 book by James Clavell and set in feudal Japan in the year 1600 – which took 11 months to film, and her performance received rave reviews.

Sawai has been acting, dancing and singing since she was a child.

Born in New Zealand, she lived in Wellington for several years as a child before her family moved overseas and eventually returned to Japan and settled in Yokohama.

Sawai was a member of the J-pop band Faky for five years, but left to pursue acting.

Before Shogun Sawai played in Godzilla Spin-off Monarch: Legacy of the Monsters, F9: The Fast Saga from the Fast and Furious Franchise with fellow New Zealander Vinnie Bennet and British thriller series Giri/Haji.

Additional reporting by the Herald.