Zendaya becomes youngest lead drama actress to win Emmy
Surprise winner Zendaya wowed in a sculptural black and purple gown from AfricanAmerican designer Christopher John Rogers. Stars impressed on stage with host Jimmy Kimmel
Zendaya said her “heart was filled” when she saw her fellow nominees, including Jennifer Aniston, cheering on the “Euphoria” actress for becoming the youngest drama lead actress to win an Emmy.
The 24-year-old Zendaya became emotional ater she took home the trophy for her role in the HBO series, scoring one of the few long shot victories on Sunday night. She is only the second Black actress to claim the lead drama actress award, following Viola Davis’ groundbreaking 2015 win for “How To Get Away With Murder.”
Zendaya’s family and friends screamed, cheered, hugged and cried behind her as the stunned actress accepted the award in what appeared to be a hotel suite.
“I usually don’t cry,” she said in a virtual backstage interview. “I got through it without leting it take over me. It was a very emotional moment. I still can’t believe it myself. It’s prety crazy.”
On “Euphoria,” Zendaya plays Rue Bennet, a teenage addict struggling with her sobriety and recovery on the series that delves into love, drugs, trauma and identity among high-schoolers.
“I just want to say there is hope in the young people out there,” she said. “I know our TV show doesn’t always feel like a great example of that,” but she thanked them for “doing the work.”
Zendaya said she was grateful to share the moment with family and friends despite the coronavirus pandemic, which has restricted interaction with loved ones.
“I think it’s moments like this that we really have to hold on to and cherish,’’ said the actress, who overcame a strong group of nominees that included Aniston, Olivia Colman, Jodie Comer, Laura Linney and Sandra Oh.
“I definitely felt like this wrapping of love around me as I was siting here,” Zendaya continued. “I’m just trying to take it all in. Just being grateful for the moments that we do have of joy and happiness.”
The Emmys on Sunday basically turned into the world’s most glamorous Zoom call, with Hollywood A-listers beaming into an empty Staples Center in Los Angeles from their apartments, guest houses and various other locations in 10 countries.
Politics oten take centre-stage at the Emmys, and even without a traditional red carpet, this year was no different.
Winner Regina King (“Watchmen”) paired a pink power suit with a tee-shirt bearing the image of Breonna Taylor, an African-american woman killed in a police shooting in her own home, and the words “Say Her Name.”
Uzo Aduba, who won the Emmy for best supporting actress in a limited series or television movie for “Mrs America,” wore a simple black tee-shirt with Taylor’s name in script — and a gold ball skirt.
Jennifer Aniston donned a black Dior dress — and managed to look glam wielding a fire extinguisher for an onstage joke.