2023 NAACP Image Awards: Zendaya Steals the Spotlight With These Performances
The 54th NAACP Image Awards is one month away, and we couldn’t be more excited. Not only will the night be filled with several award-winning moments, but viewers and audience members can expect dynamic performances by some of the biggest names in music and surprise appearances from stars across the industry as the show is set to air live for the first time in three years.
Ahead of the highly anticipated event, we’re taking a closer look at our nominees, including award-winning actress Zendaya who is nominated for “Entertainer of the Year.” She is up against several equally talented figures, including Quinta Brunson, Mary J. Blige, Viola Davis, and Angela Bassett. But before we reveal who wins, check out five moments where Zendaya’s performance stole the spotlight.
Rue Bennett / Euphoria
In one of her most severe portrayals, Zendaya is Rue Bennett, a teenage drug addict struggling to get life back on track on the teen HBO drama Euphoria. Although it is a tough watch, the actress’s performance highlights the difficulties many face when battling substance abuse.
MJ / Spider-Man Franchise
Zendaya has held it down as MJ in the Spider-Man trilogy, including Homecoming, Far From Home, and No Way Home. The actress plays Peter Parker/Spider-Man’s best friend, love interest, and girlfriend across all three movies, played by actor and real-life beau Tom Holland.
Historic Winner / Primetime Emmy Awards
This may not be an actual performance, but at age 24, Zendaya showed out when she became the youngest Drama Lead Actress category winner in history at the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards. Following Viola Davis, she was also the second African American to win the award.
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Marie / Malcolm & Marie
The award-winning actress ruffled a few feathers in 2021 when she took on a more mature role as the beautiful muse in Netflix’s Malcolm & Marie across actor John David Washington. Shot beautifully in black and white, the movie follows a filmmaker on one of the biggest nights of his career and his girlfriend—a former drug addict who essentially made it all happen. But, unfortunately, an evening meant for celebration soon tests the limits of their relationship.
Zendaya earned several accolades for her performance, including a Critics’ Choice Movie Awards nomination for “Best Actress.”
Anne / The Greatest Showman
Zendaya reminds viewers she’s a star of many talents in the 2017 film The Greatest Showman as acrobat Anne across love interest and playwright Phillip Carlyle, played by Zac Efron. The actress earned multiple awards for her role, including choice movie actress at the Teen Choice Awards.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards live on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET.
