Zendaya shone at an awards night that left little room for rivals, delivering a standout moment at the MTV Movie & Television Awards held in Los Angeles, USA. At 25, the former Disney darling was everywhere on the red carpet and in conversations, even though she and her partner, Tom Holland, chose not to attend the ceremony together that evening.
The evening crowned Zendaya with the award for best performance for her work on the HBO drama series. Euphoria was also named the best television show in its fiction category, a testament to the show’s bold storytelling and its cultural impact. Fans and critics alike noted Zendaya’s ability to balance intensity with nuance, a feat many performers spend careers chasing. The night also celebrated the film Spider-Man: No Way Home, which was recognized as a top movie of the year in which Zendaya contributed significantly to the ensemble cast. [CITATION: MTV Awards Coverage, 2022]
Tom Holland, Zendaya’s on-screen partner and real-life collaborator, accepted the award for best performance in a film for his portrayal of Spider-Man. While the top superhero prize ultimately went to a different character, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, Holland’s recognition underscored the enduring appeal of their work in the Spider-Man franchise and its resonance with global audiences. [CITATION: MTV Awards Coverage, 2022]
The couple did not appear in person at the ceremony but shared a heartfelt video message with fans. Zendaya expressed gratitude for the journey, saying, “I know it’s been an incredible ride for all of us, so thank you for letting us bring these characters to life and for the love you’ve shown them.” Holland added that being part of the Spider-Man saga and witnessing the worldwide solidarity it inspired was a dream come true, and he thanked everyone for making it possible. [CITATION: MTV Awards Coverage, 2022]
Spider-Man: No Way Home demonstrated extraordinary global box office strength, earning close to $1.9 billion in worldwide receipts. It stands as one of the most successful entries in the Spider-Verse and marked a milestone as the third-biggest domestic hit in U.S. theaters and the highest-grossing film since the pandemic era began. [CITATION: Box Office Metrics, 2022]
Euphoria, the drama that places Zendaya in the role of Rue, continues to draw attention for its raw and unflinching portrayal of adolescence. The series’ storytelling explores how friends navigate trust, temptation, and the complexity of relationships, with Zendaya’s performance driving much of the narrative’s emotional core. The show’s layered arcs—like the tense dynamics between Rue and Cassie, or the moment when Rue discovers a friend’s affair—remain focal points for discussion among audiences and critics alike. [CITATION: Television Critics Roundup, 2022]
MTV Movie & Television Awards tend to reflect audience engagement and social buzz, often rewarding projects that have built a robust fan base across social networks. The public voting format amplifies the voice of fans who rally behind their favorite moments, performances, and characters, creating a lively pulse that many other awards programs strive to match. The blend of online participation and mainstream recognition makes this event a barometer for contemporary pop culture. [CITATION: Awards Analysis, 2022]
Other honorees highlighted during the ceremony included Daniel Radcliffe, who earned recognition for his portrayal of a compelling villain in the action-adventure comedy The Lost City; Jack Black, celebrated for his long-running contributions to film and media by the MTV network; and Ryan Reynolds, acknowledged for a standout comedic performance in Free Guy. Each recipient added depth to a night that celebrated versatility and longevity in an industry that rewards both risk and charm. [CITATION: Awards Summary, 2022]