Ken Watanabe from Tokyo Vice Set to Compete for Lead Actor at Drama Emmys
Ken Watanabe, the Oscar-nominated actor who stars in the Emmy-buzzed HBO/Max drama series Tokyo Vice, is being submitted for consideration as a leading actor, contrary to previous reports. He plays Hiroto Katagiri, a detective in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and a father figure to Jake Adelstein (Ansel Elgort), an American journalist in Tokyo.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Watanabe is being considered for a leading actor nomination, similar to Elgort.
Tokyo Vice is generating buzz for its second season, which has received even higher acclaim than the first season. With a 93 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it has become the most-watched Max original series. The show is entering a competitive year for the Emmys, with few drama series contenders, making it well-positioned for recognition. The show attracted a large audience at its recent FYC event for TV Academy members on April 3 in Hollywood.
Watanabe was entered in the supporting actor category for the first season of the show. However, his significant contributions to the second season, which consists of 10 episodes compared to the first season’s eight, have led to a shift to the leading actor category.
Creator J.T. Rogers envisioned season one as laying the groundwork and season two as upending it. In the second season, the yakuza disregard the traditional rules of the underworld, leading to consequences. Katagiri must navigate this dangerous new landscape as he faces increasing pressure and threats to his family.
A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Watanabe was entering the supporting actor category.