Japanese actress Anna Sawai has been recognized as one of Time magazine’s 13 ‘Women of the Year’ for 2025, honoring her efforts in reshaping the portrayal of Asian women in Hollywood.
Sawai, 32, gained global acclaim for her award-winning role in the U.S. TV series Shogun, where she played an interpreter in feudal Japan. Her powerful performance earned her both Golden Globe and Emmy Awards for Best Actress.
Changing Hollywood’s Narrative
Time magazine highlighted Sawai’s impact in challenging Hollywood’s long-standing objectification and sexualization of Asian women. Speaking to Time, Sawai emphasized her commitment to choosing roles that break stereotypes, stating:
“We have so much more inside of us. I want to make sure that the roles that I choose are not going to perpetuate those images that I feel are incorrect, and I want to make sure that they’re very human.”
Global Recognition
Sawai, who was born in New Zealand and has appeared in major productions outside Japan, is being celebrated for her dedication to authentic representation in the entertainment industry.
Other notable figures on Time’s Women of the Year list include France’s Gisele Pelicot, who made headlines for testifying against her husband and dozens of men accused of sexual violence.
Anna Sawai’s recognition solidifies her place as a trailblazer in Hollywood, paving the way for more nuanced and diverse portrayals of Asian women in global media.
