Hiro Murai Makes Emmy History as First Asian Comedy Directing Winner

Hiro Murai secured the Emmy for outstanding directing of a comedy series with the pilot of “Widow’s Bay,” a milestone as the first Asian to win in this specific category and only the third Asian overall to win an Emmy. The competition featured notable directors such as Randall Einhorn of “Abbott Elementary,” Christopher Storer of “The Bear,” Andrew DeYoung of “The Chair Company,” Lucia Aniello of “Hacks,” and Mary Lou Belli of “The Ms. Pat Show.”

Murai joins Lee Sung Jin, who won for “Beef,” and Hwang Dong-hyuk, who won for “Squid Game,” as the only Asian Emmy winners to date. The win highlights the show’s strong debut, which also earned nominations for lead actor Matthew Rhys and supporting cast members Dale Dickey, Kate O’Flynn, and Stephen Root, as well as a writing nod for creator Katie Dippold. Murai thanked his partner Emma and the production team during his acceptance speech.