Zendaya is off to a successful start to this season’s awards race and thanks her mother for her support.
The 28-year-old actress received the Gotham Awards’ Spotlight Tribute, an award presented annually to recognize “phenomenal efforts by individuals in film and television who have captivated a global audience,” for her performance in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers.
Wearing a Louis Vuitton halter white sheath dress with an open back, Zendaya took the stage at Cipriani Wall Street in New York on December 2 to accept the honor.
“To my mom. My mom is here tonight; she’s embarrassed,” she said in honor of her mother, Claire Stoermer, midway through her speech.
The actress also thanked the people she works with during her speech, “without all of them none of this is possible,” she said. “So really, I just have to say thank you to my community of filmmakers, producers, wardrobe, costumes, hair and makeup.”
She continued, “I mean, yeah, I can be up here, and I can do it, but my character is just an amalgamation of beautiful ideas from amazing, creative people around me.”
Zendaya in New York on December 2.
ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty
Challengers Review: Zendaya stars in a sensational, sexy comedy about love and tennis
Zendaya played tennis star Tashi Duncan Challengerswhich starred Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist as Tasha’s occasional lovers and fellow tennis stars. The film, written by Justin Kuritzkes, earned rave reviews upon its April 26 release and received a Gotham nomination for Best Feature Film. Composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross were nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Score.
During her speech, Zendaya noted how “lucky” she was to work with her “brilliant” co-stars. She also thanked Kuritzkes, 34, for “creating a bold and brilliant character like Tashi,” adding: “I’m grateful that you let me be her.”
The Emmy winner also thanked director Guadagnino. “Luci, for bringing this thing to life for his, I think, visionary eye, the way he sees character and humanity and is always so sympathetic to all the characters,” she said.
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Claire Stoermer and Zendaya at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles on October 14, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California.
Michael Kovac/Getty
Zendaya recalls meeting Tom Holland in chemistry class, says she feels ‘extremely safe’ working with him
In a statement calling Zendaya “magnetic,” Jeffrey Sharp, executive director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute, also praised her other recent work. “Her performances in Dina: Part One, Dina: Part Twoand Euphoria they made her one of the most captivating actresses of her generation,” Sharp said.
Zendaya is expected to return to her two-time Emmy-winning role on HBO Euphoria its third season and joined her on-screen boyfriend Tom Holland in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film.
The Gotham Awards celebrate “independent filmmakers and media creators, providing career-building resources, access to industry influencers and pathways to wider recognition,” according to a statement announcing this year’s nominees. Together with Challengerscandidates for the best feature films in 2024 are Anora, Babygirl, A Different Man and Nickel Boys.
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Source: HIS Education