Awards Radar Community: What is Your Favorite Zendaya Performance?

With a surprisingly small amount of credits to her name, Zendaya has made a big mark on both film and television. Whether it’s the Dune franchise on the big screen, the Spider-Man series, or Euphoria on the small screen, she just owns. Her screen presence and star power are singular, with the surface of her talents seemingly only having been scratched. With The Drama (reviewed here) now in theaters, an Awards Radar Community Question about her is in order. We’ll do a full ranking soon, but for now, the question is…what is your favorite Zendaya performance?

If you’re like me, the clear answer is Challengers. She’s so amazing in that film, it was one of the performances of the year. You could certainly cite a Dune or Spider-Man movie, or maybe you’re partial to something like Malcolm & Marie? That’s cool too. Hell, if you’ve fallen for her newest flick in The Drama, you could certainly pick that one as well.

This here is some of what I said about her in my Challengers review:

Zendaya, along with Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, sets the screen ablaze. She’s funny and intense, with a biting quality that suggests she’s always in control. There’s a look on her face both when plans are going well and when plans go awry that is just a delight to witness. Frankly, Zendaya has never been better.

Perhaps you favor her television work and are a big Euphoria fan? If so, make the case. That’s certainly the work that’s gotten her the most acclaim and the most hardware, so it wouldn’t be a silly choice in the least. Plus, season three of the show is on the very near horizon, so we’re about to get a new look at one of her most notable characters. I may favor film in general, but TV is a very acceptable way to go here as well.

Now, the choice is yours. Of all her performances, which one has been your favorite? We’re going to get new Dune and Spider-Man turns this year as well, so between them and The Drama, 2026 is going to be a notable year for her. So, hop aboard the Zendaya train and tell us about the work you’re most partial to so far.

What is your favorite Zendaya performance? Let us know!