The 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, which honored primetime television programs airing during the latter half of 2019 and the first half of 2020, were held on September 20, 2020. Host Jimmy Kimmel broadcast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, while award winners gave speeches virtually, with many even broadcasting from their own homes. Canadian comedy Schitt’s Creek won the night by taking home seven awards, while HBO limited series Watchmen gained a stunning eleven nominations, ultimately winning four of them.
However, one of the most exciting moments of the night came when 24 year old actress and singer Zendaya took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Rue Bennett in HBO’s Euphoria. Zendaya officially became the youngest person to win this award, beating out last year’s honoree Jodie Comer, who won at 26 for her portrayal of the villainous Villanelle in the British drama series Killing Eve.
Zendaya, whose belief that she would not win was so strong that she had not even prepared an acceptance speech, was selected for the award over previous winner Comer as well as fellow actresses Jennifer Aniston (Alex Levy in The Morning Show), Olivia Colman (Queen Elizabeth in The Crown), Laura Linney (Wendy Byrd in Ozark), and Sandra Oh (the titular Eve in Killing Eve). In her improvised speech, Zendaya thanked her competitors, referring to them as “incredible women” and professing her admiration for each of them. She also encouraged other young people to pursue their dreams, addressing the following words to “all [her] peers out there:” “I see you. I admire you. I thank you.”
Euphoria, which is described as following a group of high school students as they experience “sex, drugs, friendships, love, identity and trauma,” can be watched on HBO. The first season concluded in August 2019. A second season is planned, although filming has been delayed indefinitely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
FlickLuster sends our congratulations to Zendaya on her amazing win!
