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Zendaya, the award-winning actress known for her roles in Euphoria and Challengers, paid a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Claire Stoermer, during her acceptance speech at the 34th Annual Gotham Awards. On December 2, 2024, Zendaya received the prestigious Spotlight Tribute Award for her stellar performance in Luca Guadagnino's Challengers. This recognition, awarded annually to individuals who have made a significant impact on film and television, marks a key milestone in Zendaya's flourishing career.
Dressed in an off-white Louis Vuitton gown, Zendaya took the stage at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The dress, designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, was a striking halter-neck sheath with an open back, perfectly complementing Zendaya's elegant look.
As she addressed the audience, Zendaya began by acknowledging the presence of her mother in the crowd, offering a heartfelt shoutout: "To my mom. My mom's here tonight; she's embarrassed." This personal moment highlighted the deep bond between the actress and her mother, whose support has been a constant source of inspiration throughout Zendaya's career.
In addition to honoring her mother, Zendaya expressed gratitude to the entire team behind Challengers, a film that features Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a tennis star navigating a complicated love triangle.
She thanked the cast and crew, acknowledging their collective effort in bringing the film to life. Zendaya's performance in Challengers has been widely praised, contributing to the film's success and earning a Gotham Award nomination for Best Feature.
Throughout her speech, Zendaya shared her appreciation for director Luca Guadagnino, who she described as "visionary," and screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes for creating the bold character of Tashi. Zendaya's words reflected her humility and recognition that her role was the result of a team effort, stating, "my character is only an amalgamation of the beautiful ideas of the amazing, creative people around me."
The Gotham Awards ceremony is known for honoring emerging talent in the film industry, and Zendaya's recognition solidifies her position as one of Hollywood's brightest stars. The event also marked the official start of the 2024-2025 awards season.
Zendaya's performance in Challengers has made a significant impact, earning her a place among the most captivating actors of her generation, as noted by Jeffrey Sharp, the executive director of the Gotham Film & Media Institute.
