This past weekend’s historical Emmy Awards was the first time the prestigious ceremony was virtual, but it was also the first of many wins for HBO’s Euphoria. The teen drama was nominated for six Emmys and ended the evening triumphant in three categories. The most notable was fan-favorite Zendaya, winning the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series.
The 24-year-old star made history as the youngest actress to take home the prize in the category. Zendaya beat out fellow accomplished actresses Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Colman, Sandra Oh, Laura Linney, and last year’s winner, Jodie Comer. Zendaya is also the second Black actress to ever win the award for the best female lead in a drama series. Viola Davis broke through first in 2015 for her portrayal of Annalise Keating in How To Get Away With Murder.
“I just want to say there is hope in the young people out there. I know our TV show doesn’t always feel like a great example of that, but there is hope in the young people,” the Euphoria lead expressed in her acceptance speech. “I just want to say to all my peers out there doing the work in the streets, I see you, I admire, I thank you… Thank you so much.”
The former Disney star was surrounded by family and friends when she accepted the Emmy on the live virtual show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. Zendaya was visibly stunned when her name was announced and her team shouted and jumped with joy, the same way many viewers at home did. Countless celebrities have since congratulated the young actress on social media, including fellow Euphoria actors like Sydney Sweeney and Hunter Schafer. Even though this was Zendaya’s first Emmy nomination and win, we’re sure this won’t be the last major award for the superstar.
Euphoria’s other two wins were announced during the 72nd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, hosted by comedian Nicole Byer. The A24 produced series won outstanding original music and lyrics for the song “All For Us,” heard in the eighth and final episode of the season, “And Salt The Earth Behind You.” The iconic song, which has generated its own trend on TikTok, was composed by Labrinth.
The other major win was snagged by the show’s makeup team for outstanding contemporary makeup (non-prosthetic). The department’s head makeup artist, Doniella Davy, shared a heartfelt Instagram post expressing her gratitude for the outpouring of support and success Euphoria’s makeup style has experienced.
“I’m shaking,” Davy said in a reaction video to the team’s win.
Kristen Sage Coleman and Tara Lang Shah are also credited for the prize-winning makeup seen in the final episode of Euphoria. Just like Labrinth’s song, it’s no surprise the show’s makeup department secured the win seeing as how many young people have recreated the signature glitter look and dramatic eye makeup.
In other Euphoria news, the three-time Emmy winner is experiencing more production delays than many originally anticipated. The Sam Levinson high school drama will not continue filming until early 2021, meaning season two will air sometime later in 2021 or even 2022. HBO, however, did confirm a special COVID-19 episode to possibly connect the first and second season.
Check out AfterBuzz TV next week for another update on the fan-favorite teen drama!
