Zendaya Was Honored With the 2021 SeeHer Award at the Critics’ Choice Awards
Zendaya accepted the SeeHer Award at this year’s Critics’ Choice Awards on Sunday, March 7.
The award was presented to her by fellow actor and co-star of her new film, Malcolm & Marie, John David Washington. The award is relatively new, making Zendaya is the fifth recipient. Previous winners include Viola Davis, Gal Gadot, Claire Foy, and Kristen Bell.
The mission of the SeeHer Movement is to “accurately portray all women and girls in marketing, advertising, media and entertainment so they see themselves as they truly are and in all their potential. The average age, race, body type and other aspects of women’s identity depicted in media represent just a small fraction of the female population.”
Zendaya has taken this role for the majority of her career. Starting when she was a teenager, the actress starred as Rocky Blue in Disney Channel’s Shake It Up. Her notable career credits include works such as The Greatest Showman, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Spider-Man: Far From Home.
Most recently, Zendaya has gotten attention for her role as Rue Bennett in HBO’s Euphoria. For her portrayal of the teenager, she became the youngest woman ever to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama.
While presenting the award, Washington spoke highly of the actress, saying, “At 24 years old Zendaya is already a formidable actor, but she’s also a formidable force for good. [She is] fearlessly using her voice and platform to push for change, inspiring her 88 Million Instagram followers and beyond.” He also added, “She believes her generation has the opportunity to change the world.”
So happy for @Zendaya receiving the @CriticsChoice #SeeHer award. Such a deserving recipient. #CriticsChoiceAwards2021 #CriticsChoiceAwards pic.twitter.com/le8Wi5i1dJ
— PayOrWait (@payorwait) March 8, 2021
Upon receiving the award, Zendaya graciously thanked her friend and scene partner, as well as the Critics’ Choice Association. “I think as I was thinking of things to say, the only real thing I can think of is gratitude. This word kind of keeps coming to my mind, especially with the year everyone has had.” She stated, “To continue to be grateful for every single moment, big and small. To be grateful for the people in our world and in our life that make the work we do possible. To continue to make sure we hold onto our loved ones a little bit tighter and make sure we call them, acknowledge them, tell them we love them. And take in moments like this.”
zendaya winning the SeeHer critic’s choice award on international women’s day too i know that’s right pic.twitter.com/zfxVRv7HBe
— char loves marie (@gracefuldaya) March 8, 2021
Zendaya also expresses her admiration for the women who came before her, saying, “I would absolutely not be here if it weren’t for the incredible women that have paved the way for me to be here.” She expressed, “So, I’m extremely grateful for those women. This is very, very special. Thank you so, so much, and — not to overuse the word, but — I am incredibly grateful for this moment.”
Zendaya continues to amaze us with all that she does and her career isn’t slowing down any time soon. Be sure to follow the actress on Instagram to keep up with all of her latest projects.
Journalist | Tweet Me @alyssagrolon
