Hiro Murai Becomes First Asian Director to Win Emmy for Comedy Directing With ‘Widow’s Bay’

Murai on Monday won outstanding directing for a comedy series for the “Widow’s Bay” premiere, “Welcome to Widow’s Bay!,” becoming the first Asian director ever to win the category — and only the third Asian director to win in any Emmy category.

He prevailed over a deep field that included Randall Einhorn (“Abbott Elementary”), Christopher Storer (“The Bear”), Andrew DeYoung (“The Chair Company”), Lucia Aniello (“Hacks”) and Mary Lou Belli (“The Ms. Pat Show”).

The other Asians directors who have won previously include Lee Sung Jin for the first season of the anthology series “Beef” and Hwang Dong-hyuk for the first season of the drama series “Squid Game.”

The Japanese filmmaker, who holds 11 career Emmy nominations, had twice been recognized in comedy directing — for “Atlanta” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” He was already a previous Emmy winner as an executive producer on the first season of “The Bear.” The “Widow’s Bay” win, for the pilot that set the show’s tone, anchors the craft dominance that carried the series to a leading field for a freshman show.

This year’s Emmy nominations were led by “The Pitt” with 25 nominations, followed by “Hacks,” “Widow’s Bay” and “Beef.” Matthew Rhys scored a nomination for lead actor for “Widow’s Bay,” along with supporting stars Dale Dickey, Kate O’Flynn and Stephen Root. Creator and showrunner Katie Dippold also recevied a nom for outstanding writing for a comedy series for the pilot.

“Katie Dippold, thank you for being brilliant and letting me ride shotgun,” Murai said on stage. “I’m so proud of everything we did. And most of all, I just want to thank my family and my partner Emma. I love you. Thank you.”