Zendaya made history at the 72nd annual Emmy Awards, which were held on Sunday. The 24-year-old actor won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in “Euphoria,” making her the youngest person ever to take home the award. In addition to the virtual edition of the awards ceremony that recognises excellence in various areas of television and emerging media marking her first Emmy win and nomination, Zendaya has become the second Black actress to win the category after Viola Davis in 2015.
The California native from a theatrical background cemented herself in the history books for her portrayal of recovering teenage drug addict Rue Bennett in the HBO series. And the A-lister’s stiff competition made her surprise victory even more impressive. “The Crown” star Olivia Colman and Jennifer Aniston, who has made a comeback in “The Morning Show,” were leading predictions in the category. Jodie Comer, Laura Linney and Sandra Oh were the other fellow nominees.
Much like the other Emmy winners, Zendaya accepted the coveted honour through a video link, thanks to around 140 cameras being stationed around the world.
“This is pretty crazy!” Zendaya said in her acceptance speech, while at home with family and friends. “To the incredible cast and crew of “Euphoria”…I’m inspired by everything you do. To [show creator and director] Sam Levinson, I appreciate you so much, you’re my family.”
The delighted multi-talented beauty, who was fighting back tears while clutching the Emmy, also added: "I'm really, really nervous. I just want to say thank you to the TV Academy and all the other women. This is crazy. Thank you HBO and A24 for your support. Thank you to my family and my team. To the incredible cast and crew of “Euphoria” I'm so lucky and I'm inspired by everything you do."
On the night of her big win, the star was seen in a couple of different outfits, including a teaser she showed off on an Instagram story. The purple and black Christopher John Rogers moire and silk taffeta dress came with a plunging, squared-off neckline. She teamed it with black Christian Louboutin heels with sparkling heart shaped detail and Bulgari rings and necklace, which featured royal purple, rosy pink and emerald green stones. For the main look to accept her Emmy, Zendaya rocked a full black-and-powder pink polka dot two-piece dress by Giorgio Armani Privé. The second standout ensemble featured a cropped, jewelled bralette top tied together by a black halter strap, which she accessorised with more Bulgari jewellery. Zendaya's longtime stylist Law Roach, the go-to “image architect” many celebrities turn to, created both her show-stopping looks.
