Zendaya Makes Emmys History as First Black Drama Actress to Win Twice

Zendaya made history at the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Monday night when she took home the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. 

The 26-year-old won her first Emmy for playing Rue on Euphoria back in 2020 when she was just 24, making her the second Black woman (after Viola Davis) and youngest performer to ever nab the award. Her win this evening makes her the first Black woman to ever win two Emmy awards in the category, and the youngest two-time award winner in Emmy history.

In a category packed with big names, Zendaya beat out Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets), Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Sandra Oh (Killing Eve), Laura Linney (Ozark), and Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show).

"Thank you for making such a safe space to make this very difficult show. I love you all so much," Zendaya said in her acceptance speech. "Anyone who has loved a Rue, or feels like a Rue, I want you to know that I’m so grateful for your stories, and I carry them with me, and I carry them with her," she said. "So, thank you very much."

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Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.