Oakland, California-born actress Zendaya took home the Emmy Award last night (September 20, 2020) for lead actress in a drama series for her role as Rue in HBO’s “Euphoria” series.
Zendaya taking home the Emmy Award for lead actress in a drama is significant because at age 24 she’s the the youngest nominee to win the much-coveted category in the 71-year history of the award.
Zendaya faced a seasoned field of actress that included Jennifer Aniston for “The Morning Show,” Olivia Coleman for “The Crown,” Laura Linney for “Ozark” and Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, both nominated for their roles in “Killing Eve.”
While Zendaya is just 24, she had an early start with an acting career that began in 2009 when she was 13-years old and included a several year stint as an actress in multiple Disney productions.
The Emmy Award event was virtual, which meant Zendaya’s was in her home surrounded by her mother, father and team when she discovered she won the award.
In an emotional speech, she thanked “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson, and added, “I know this feels like a really weird time to be celebrating, I just want to say there is hope in the young people out there. I know our TV show doesn’t always feel like that, but there is hope in the young people.”
In a follow up post on social media today, she added, “Still don’t really have any words….feeling so much love right now, thank you.”
Check out Zendaya’s acceptance speech below.
.@Zendaya wins lead actress in a drama series for her role in "Euphoria," becoming the youngest-ever winner of the category at age 24. https://t.co/MBKs1IK0Ff pic.twitter.com/Pk5P75HbOI
— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 21, 2020
Still don’t really have any words….feeling so much love right now, thank you. pic.twitter.com/ZKpn46lLiW
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) September 21, 2020
