The Visual Effects Society (VES) has named 2025 Golden Globe nominee and two-time Emmy Award winning actor and producer Hiroyuki Sanada as the forthcoming recipient of the VES Award for Creative Excellence. The award will be presented at the 23rd Annual VES Awards on February 11, 2025 at The Beverly Hilton hotel.

The VES Award for Creative Excellence, bestowed by the VES Board of Directors, recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the art and science of the visual effects industry and cinematic entertainment. The Society will honor Sanada for his exceptional roles in Japanese and Hong Kong action films and dramatic cinema for more than five decades, and his impact as a cultural ambassador for Japan. And with his critically acclaimed work as a producer and actor in the titular role in the FX historical drama series Shōgun, Sanada has reached a historic achievement as the first Japanese actor to win a Primetime Emmy Award.

“Hiroyuki Sanada has been at the center point of compelling cinematic stories that use visual effects to enhance unforgettable storytelling for decades,” said Kim Davidson, VES chair. “As a longtime adviser for Hollywood films to ensure authentic depictions of Japanese history to serving as the creative force behind juggernaut drama Shōgun, Sanada’s work has left an indelible mark on the global cultural landscape. We are thrilled to honor him with the VES Award for Creative Excellence!”

Sanada is one of Japan’s most celebrated actors, earning two Japan Academy Film prizes, three Blue Ribbon Awards for Best Actor and the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese government for his artistic developments, improvements, and accomplishments. With a... Read More