The 28-year-old actress received the Gotham Awards’ Spotlight Tribute on December 2 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The honor recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals in film and television, and Zendaya earned it for her performance in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers.
That evening Zendaya wore a backless white halter gown by Louis Vuitton. This elegant choice was a nod to her character Tashi Duncan in Challengers, reflecting the film's themes and her role.
Taking the stage, Zendaya paused mid-speech to address her mother, Claire Stoermer, who was in attendance. “To my mom. My mom's here tonight; she's embarrassed,” Zendaya said warmly. Throughout Zendaya's career, her mother has been an unwavering source of support, often attending events and sharing in her successes. Her presence at pivotal moments, such as the Gotham Awards, highlights the strength of their close-knit family bond.
In her speech, the actress expressed gratitude to her collaborators. “Without all of them, none of this is possible,” she shared, thanking her community of filmmakers, producers, and the teams behind wardrobe, costumes, hair, and makeup. She emphasized that her character Tashi Duncan was “an amalgamation of the beautiful ideas of the amazing, creative people around me.”
Zendaya stars in Challengers as Tashi Duncan, a tennis prodigy entangled in a love triangle with two fellow players, portrayed by Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist. The film, written by Justin Kuritzkes, received critical acclaim following its April 26 release and was nominated for best feature at the Gotham Awards. The score, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, is also Grammy-nominated.
Zendaya praised her Challengers castmates and thanked Kuritzkes for crafting a “bold and brilliant character” in Tashi. She also acknowledged Guadagnino’s visionary direction, applauding his empathy and nuanced portrayal of humanity in his characters.
Jeffrey Sharp, executive director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute, called Zendaya “magnetic,” citing her performances in Dune: Part One, Dune: Part Two, and Euphoria. “She has become one of the most captivating actors of her generation,” he said in a statement.
Zendaya is set to return for season three of HBO’s Euphoria, where she has already earned two Emmy Awards for her role, and she will also appear alongside boyfriend Tom Holland in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming project.
The Gotham Awards celebrate independent film and media, recognizing creators with resources, industry connections, and platforms for greater recognition. Challengers was one of five nominees for best feature, alongside Anora, Babygirl, A Different Man, and Nickel Boys.
