Zendaya makes Emmy history again thanks to "Euphoria"

Zendaya won the 2022 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress, making her the youngest actress to win twice in this category in the history of the Emmys, as well as the first black woman to win two awards for lead in a drama series. The actress took the stage, looking as elegant as a diva of yesteryear in her Valentino gown (later changed to a red model for the after party) illuminated by Bulgari jewelry, and, visibly emotional, thanked her family, friends, and the Euphoria team for helping her achieve her dreams and beat out her fellow nominees, which included Reese Witherspoon for The Morning Show and former category winner Jodie Comer for Killing Eve. Then, almost moved, she concluded by dedicating the award to those suffering from addiction like her Rue:  "I just want to say you know, my greatest wish for Euphoria was that it could help heal people. I just want to say thank you to everyone who has shared their story with me. I want you to know that anyone who has loved a Rue or feels like they are a Rue, I want you to know I’m so grateful for your stories and I carry them with me, and I carry them with her."

In 2020, at only 24 years old, Zendaya had already won the Emmy for her role as Rue in Euphoria, making her the youngest lead actress in a drama series and only the second woman of color to win the category, after Viola Davis for How to Get Away With Murder. Now, Zendaya has won a new record, but recall that, although she did not take home the awards, she was also the youngest producer ever nominated at the Emmys and was up for the Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics category for the songs I'm Tired and Elliot's Song.

"It’s absolutely insane. The show obviously means so much to me and so much to everyone who makes it. People put their absolute heart and soul into this, and I am so lucky to share this with all of them."

Said the actress, after receiving the news and learning that she was also the first black woman (and the second black person) to be nominated for both acting and songwriting in the same year. 

Zendaya was not the only cast member of Euphoria to compete at the 2022 Emmys. In fact, Sydney Sweeney was in the running for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series due to her role as Cassie in Euphoria and for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie for her role as Olivia in The White Lotus, but she was beaten out by fellow cast member Julia Garner, nominated for Ozark.