There always has to be controversy after an awards show, as Zendaya found out this week after her stunning win at the Emmy Awards.
First the superlatives: she made history as the youngest woman to win the award, at just 24, and beat acting titans Jennifer Aniston and Olivia Colman out to seal victory.
For Best Actress in a Leading Drama, Zendaya was facing off against Aniston (The Morning Show), Colman (The Crown), Laura Linney (Ozark), Sandra Oh (Killing Eve), and Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) for her emotional performance in Euphoria.
It was one of the highlights of this year’s Emmys. After it though, much confusion reigned on social media after her win was dubbed an “upset win.”
It was the New York Post who initially called it that, their meaning being that Zendaya had come through as an underdog figure given the famous faces she was up against in the category.
I mean, Zendaya wasn’t even born when Aniston first rose to superstardom when Friends debuted in 1994. That’s crazy!
Zendaya supporters were quickly offended however, misinterpreting the phrase “upset win” to mean that it was an upsetting win for the star personally. Many shocked and angry tweets naturally followed.
Absolutely no one is upset at this
— denisemalik. (@unapologetic_dd) September 21, 2020
Why label it an upset when it’s a celebration? #Emmys #Zendaya #pagesixsowhite
— Tori (@RealToriSpark) September 21, 2020
As their word choice was blasted online, the Post returned with a shady but explanatory article. The internet is a wild place sometimes. We get passion but everyone needs to chill before they start typing so furiously! We’re sure that Zendaya’s still having a pretty great week anyway.
okay yall i get it i know what they meant now…. i’m dumb pls i’m so embarrassed i’m gonna hide
— kc ? | ZEMMY (@WALLOWSDAYA) September 21, 2020
Check out the trailer for ‘Euphoria’:
