Emmys 2020: Is Zendaya a 'legend in the making'? 'Euphoria' star becomes youngest lead actress drama winner

Zendaya also became the second Black actress to have won the award in this category. The first was won by Viola Davis in 2015 for 'How to Get Away with Murder'.
PUBLISHED SEP 21, 2020
Zendaya (Getty Images)
Zendaya (Getty Images)

This year’s Emmy is becoming unprecedented in every way possible. Actress Zendaya has created history by becoming the youngest lead actress Drama series winner. The 24-year-old won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for her role as Rue in HBO’s ‘Euphoria’. She won the trophy in the category over Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh of ‘Killing Eve’, ‘Laura Linney of ‘Ozark’, Olivia Colman of ‘The Crown’, and Jennifer Aniston of ‘The Morning Show’. A user tweeted her picture winning Emmy this year while comparing it with the previous year. 



 

This is the first Emmy win for Zendaya. Her teen drama ‘Euphoria’ was nominated for five Emmys at this year’s ceremony. This included Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score), Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, Outstanding Music Supervision, Outstanding Contemporary Costumes, and Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic). Zendaya also became the second Black actress to have won the award in this category. The first was won by Viola Davis in 2015 for 'How to Get Away with Murder'.

In her winning speech, she thanked her family and 'Euphoria' team and even those protesting this year. "I know this feels like a really weird time to be celebrating, but I just want to say that there is hope in the young people out there. I know that our TV show doesn’t always feel like a great example of that but there is hope in the young people. And I just want to say to all my peers out there doing the work in the streets, I see you, I admire you, I thank you, and yeah, thank you so, so much! This is—whoa, okay, thank you!"

As soon as she carved a niche for herself in the television world taking home the Emmy for the coveted category, the Internet showered Zendaya with praises. A user wrote, "ZENDAYA IS THE YOUNGEST WINNER IN THE HISTORY OF THE Emmys." Another wrote in her historical win, "ZENDAYA IS THE 2ND BLACK WOMAN TO EVER WIN IN THIS CATEGORY AND THE YOUNGEST BEST LEADING ACTRESS WINNER TOO Emmys 2020." A fan called her a 'legend in making' as they wrote, "Zendaya winning her first Emmy of many is just more proof that she is a legend in the making Emmys2020," while another wrote, "So happy for @Zendaya!! @euphoriaHBO is an outstanding show and her performance in it is absolutely phenomenal!! Well earned and deserved win!! #Emmys #Emmys2020." Another lauded her performance, saying, "So happy for Zendaya!! Euphoria HBO is an outstanding show and her performance in it is absolutely phenomenal!! Well earned and deserved to win! Emmys." An enamored fan wrote, "First off, Zendaya I think you’re so beautiful. I’m so ecstatic for your Emmy win. We are blessed with your presence to this earth and with your performance in your art. You were put on this Earth for a reason. Continue to kill it Queen." 



 



 



 



 



 


 

 


 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

At the time of writing, there is no official confirmation on 'Steal' Season 2 from Prime Video
25 minutes ago
'Fallout' Season 2 Episode 6 completely changes the meaning of ‘bottle caps’ in way we could've never imagined
3 hours ago
First-look images from ‘Invincible’ Season 4 tease brutal new villains, familiar heroes, and a March 2026 return that raises the stakes fast.
5 hours ago
A shocking mid-episode transformation rewrites 'The Beauty', quietly replacing Rebecca Hall, and changing the series' direction almost instantly
7 hours ago
Set to premiere on January 26, 'American Idol' will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest, along with judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie
7 hours ago
The 'One Chicago' trio of shows previously released two crossover events back in 2019 and 2025. The next crossover episode will take place in March.
8 hours ago
The upcoming Season 3 of 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' is based on the third Rick Riordan novel, 'The Titan's Curse.'
9 hours ago
The prequel to the 'Legally Blonde' movies, 'Elle', stars Lexi Minetree, Gabrielle Policano, Chandler Kinney, and Zac Looker in key roles
11 hours ago
Season 2 finale ended with a confirmation that season 3 will return later this year
21 hours ago
Jennifer Morrison gets a quick glimpse as First Lady Jenny Hagan in the official trailer
23 hours ago