Zendaya
MARCH 7: In this screengrab, Zendaya accepts the SeeHer Award at the 26th Annual Critics Choice Awards on March 07, 2021. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images for the Critics Choice Association)

At the 26th Critics Choice Awards, Zendaya was honoured with the SeeHer Award. The fifth recipient of the award, the tribute was set up by the “SeeHer movement”, a body which advocates for the accurate portrayal of women and girls in advertising and media.

Malcolm & Marie co-star John David Washington presented the award through the live (virtual) event. The 24-year-old appeared via Zoom wearing a glittery number with spaghetti-straps and an undone top-knot.

“This means so much to me,” Zendaya said during her acceptance speech. “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. 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.”

“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 added. “So also, 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 follows the past four recipients; Kristen Bell, Viola Davis, Claire Foy and Gal Gadot.

The Euphoria star is quickly becoming an icon among young women. Speaking on Zendaya’s performance in Malcolm & Marie (which received a nomination at the Critics Choice Awards), Halle Berry noted during a round table discussion it is “is proof-positive that things are changing and I couldn’t be prouder and I know you probably can’t be prouder of yourself, which is most important.”