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The Gotham Film and Media Institute will honor Zendaya with the 2024 Spotlight Tribute for her performance in Luca Guadagnino’s steamy tennis drama “Challengers.” The award will be presented at the 34th annual Gotham Awards, which is set to take place Dec. 2 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
The Spotlight Tribute recognizes individuals in film and television who captivated global audience with the biggest projects of the year.
“Zendaya’s magnetic portrayal of Tashi Donaldson in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Challengers’ exemplifies the creative excellence that The Gotham celebrates,” said Jeffrey Sharp, executive director of The Gotham. “Her performances in ‘Dune: Part One,’ ‘Dune: Part Two’ and ‘Euphoria’ have made her one of the most captivating actors of her generation. Her multi-layered performance at the heart of ‘Challengers’ earned widespread acclaim, including a nomination for Best Feature at this year’s Gothams. We look forward to honoring her work with our Spotlight Tribute.”
“Challengers,” which also stars Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, premiered in theaters in April. The film follows Zendaya’s Tashi, who stops at nothing to prepare her tennis pro husband (Faist) for an exhibition match against his ex-best friend (O’Connor) — who also happens to be her former lover.
Popular on Variety Zendaya has emerged as one of the most sought-after blockbuster actors of the 2020s. “Dune: Part Two” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which both star the 28-year-old actor, were among the highest-grossing films in the respective years they were released, with “No Way Home” topping out as the seventh highest-grossing film of all time.
