Zendaya Breaks Records with her Emmy Win for Euphoria
Instagram: @Zendaya
24-year-old actress, Zendaya made history during the socially distanced 72 Primetime Emmy Awards show for her win as the lead role in the hit HBO show Euphoria. Beating out last year’s record winner, 26-year-old Jodie Comer for her role in Killing Eve, Zendaya became the youngest lead actress in a drama to win an Emmy for her role as Rue.
Surrounded by her loved ones, Zendaya was visibly surprised and close to tears as she was handed her award. The young actress beat out big-name nominees in the same category such as Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Oh, Olivia Colman, and Laura Linney. Accepting her award virtually, Zendaya acknowledged that the current situation may not be ideal but she is inspired by the young generation in her heartfelt speech.
“I know that our TV show doesn’t always feel like a great example of that but there is hope in the young people, Zendaya said. “And I just want to say to all my peers out there doing the work in the streets, I see you, I admire you.”
Known for her start on Disney Channel as a child star, Zendaya continued her stardom to roles in the Spiderman franchise and Euphoria. Premiered in June 2019, Euphoria follows high school students as they tackle issues on drugs, sex, and relationships. Critics praised the show for bringing light to difficult issues and commended the cast’s performance, especially Zendaya’s delivery. Created by Sam Levinson, Euphoria gained six nominations this year primarily for makeup, music composition, and costumes. Zendaya was the only nomination in an acting category out of the six nominations.
The internet erupted with the good news praising Zendaya’s efforts including her fellow Euphoria castmate, Storm Reid. Playing Zendaya’s younger sister in the show, Reid filmed her reaction to the Emmy win, which consisted of jumping and screaming at the announcement.
Euphoria was renewed for a second season in July 2019 and the cast is currently filming after the release date got postponed due to the pandemic. A new date hasn’t yet been released but it is to be expected to be sometime in 2021.