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Zendaya Made History With Her Emmy Win!

AS SHE SHOULD. GIVE ZENDAYA EVERYTHING.

By Sep 21st, 2020, 1:24 pm

Zendaya as Rue in Euphoria

Last night, Zendaya made history as the youngest actress to win for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work on the HBO series Euphoria. Not only is she the youngest, but this is also Zendaya’s first nomination and win at the Emmys. (And the second time a Black actress took home the award. Let that sink in so you can realize that Hollywood needs to majorly change.)

While technically an “upset”—in the way that Zendaya was a young actress taking on the formidable likes of Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Oh, and more—the win was most definitely deserved. Zendaya is easily one of our best actresses, and yes, I’m probably biased because I love everything she does, but Euphoria was another level entirely for the young performer.

Following Rue’s (Zendaya) struggle to get clean, the show is an interesting look at youth, growing up, and the struggles that often go unexplored in our world that many face in their upbringing. Zendaya truly does shine in the role (even though Rue is not someone to idolize) and brings the pain of Rue’s struggle to life in an incredibly poignant and tragic way. So this win is MORE than deserved.

And, rightfully so, the internet took to praising Zendaya for her win (and for playing Rue).

To be honest, I couldn’t think of someone more deserving. Zendaya has a way about her while she’s performing that brings you into the character and makes you care no matter what is happening in the story around them. Her MJ is refreshing and brilliant, Rue is heartbreaking in a way that makes you want nothing more than to help her, and I, personally, can’t wait to see what she does as Chani in Dune.

Congrats to Zendaya. You deserved this win (and so many more), and I can’t wait to see what you do next!

(image: HBO)

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Rachel Leishman - Assistant Editor

She/Her. A writer who loves all things movies, TV, and classic rock. Resident Spider-Man expert, official Leslie Knope, actually Yelena Belova. Wanda Maximoff has never done anything wrong in her life. Star Wars makes her very happy. New York writer with a passion for all things nerdy. Yes, she has a Pedro Pascal podcast. And also a Harrison Ford one.