Zendaya is off to a great start in this year’s awards season, and she has a special shout-out to her mom for being her biggest supporter. At the Gotham Awards on December 2, the 28-year-old actress was honored with the Spotlight Tribute, a prestigious award that recognizes standout individuals in film and television. Zendaya received the award for her role in the film Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino.
Looking stunning in a white Louis Vuitton dress, Zendaya took the stage at New York City’s Cipriani Wall Street to accept her award. As she began her speech, she couldn’t help but thank her mom, Claire Stoermer, who was sitting in the crowd. “My mom’s here tonight; she’s embarrassed,” Zendaya said with a smile, sharing the moment with her mom.
Zendaya also gave credit to everyone who helped bring her performance to life, saying, “Without all of them, none of this is possible.” She thanked her community of filmmakers, producers, and the entire team behind the film, including wardrobe, hair, and makeup. She emphasized that her role was a collaboration of all the creative minds around her, saying, “My character is only an amalgamation of the beautiful ideas of the amazing, creative people around me.”
In Challengers, Zendaya plays Tashi Duncan, a tennis star caught in a love triangle with her two fellow tennis-player exes, played by Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist. The film has received glowing reviews and earned a nomination for Best Feature at the Gotham Awards. The soundtrack, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, is also up for a Grammy.
Zendaya expressed how lucky she felt to work with such a talented cast and crew, especially the writer of the film, Justin Kuritzkes, who created the bold character of Tashi. “I’m grateful that you allowed me to be her,” Zendaya said. She also gave a special thanks to the director, Luca Guadagnino, for his visionary approach to the film and his deep empathy for the characters.
The Gotham Film & Media Institute’s executive director, Jeffrey Sharp, praised Zendaya for being “magnetic” in her roles, noting that her performances in Dune: Part One, Dune: Part Two, and Euphoria have made her one of the most captivating actors of her generation.
Zendaya isn’t slowing down anytime soon—she’s set to return to her Emmy-winning role in Euphoria for its third season, and she’ll be starring alongside her boyfriend, Tom Holland, in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film.
The Gotham Awards celebrate independent film and media creators, helping them gain recognition and career-building opportunities. Along with Challengers, other nominees for Best Feature this year include Anora, Babygirl, A Different Man, and Nickel Boys.
