Zendaya, one of Hollywood’s most influential and stylish stars, was noticeably absent from the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025. Given her stellar performances in Challengers and Dune: Part Two, many fans expected her to make an appearance. However, the actress and fashion icon chose to skip the ceremony, sparking curiosity and speculation. This article explores why Zendaya missed the Oscars, how her recent projects fared, and what’s next in her career.
Zendaya’s Recent Films and Their Oscars Journey
In 2024, Zendaya starred in two major films that generated significant buzz: Challengers and Dune: Part Two.
Challengers: A Critical Hit But Oscars Snub
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Challengers was a gripping drama set in the world of professional tennis. Zendaya played Tashi Duncan, a fierce and ambitious athlete caught in a complex love triangle. The film received glowing reviews, boasting an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and was a commercial success, grossing over $96 million worldwide.
Despite its critical acclaim, Challengers was completely shut out of the 2025 Oscars. Many expected at least a nomination for Best Actress for Zendaya or a nod for the film’s acclaimed score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, but the Academy overlooked it entirely. This snub might have influenced Zendaya’s decision to skip the event.
Dune: Part Two: A Box Office Giant
Zendaya reprised her role as Chani in Dune: Part Two, which received multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. While it didn’t win the top prize (which went to Anora), the film took home awards for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. Given her significant role in the film, fans expected Zendaya to walk the red carpet, but she remained absent.
Why Did Zendaya Skip the 2025 Oscars?
There are several potential reasons why Zendaya decided not to attend the 2025 Academy Awards:
1. Lack of Individual Nominations
While Dune: Part Two was nominated for Best Picture, Zendaya herself did not receive an acting nomination. Similarly, Challengers was ignored by the Academy. Without a personal stake in the awards, she may have opted to sit this one out.
2. A Desire for Privacy
Zendaya has always been selective about public appearances. In an interview last year, she expressed her discomfort with the constant media attention, saying, “I love acting, but sometimes, I just want to step back from the spotlight.” Attending the Oscars would have placed her at the center of media frenzy, something she may have wanted to avoid.
3. Busy Schedule
Zendaya is currently working on multiple projects, including:
- Euphoria Season 3 – Filming for the highly anticipated season is underway.
- The Odyssey – A new film by Christopher Nolan, set to release in 2026.
- Shrek 5 – Zendaya is rumored to be joining the cast of this animated blockbuster.
With such a packed schedule, attending the Oscars might not have been her top priority.
Zendaya and Tom Holland: Their Oscars Night Plans
Zendaya’s relationship with fellow actor Tom Holland has been a constant topic of interest. The couple, engaged as of early 2025, has largely kept their romance private. Some speculated that the Oscars could have been their official public debut as an engaged couple. However, they both skipped the event, reinforcing their preference for low-key appearances.
Tom Holland has previously stated that he avoids red carpets with Zendaya to keep the focus on her career rather than their relationship. This could explain why neither attended the Oscars, despite their popularity as a couple.
Zendaya’s Oscars Fashion Legacy
One of the reasons Zendaya’s absence was so noticeable is because she is known for her stunning red-carpet appearances. Over the years, she has delivered iconic looks at the Oscars:
- 2024 Oscars: She wore a breathtaking pink and black Armani Privé gown, drawing inspiration from her role in Challengers.
- 2022 Oscars: She paid homage to ’90s fashion with a cropped white shirt and silver sequined skirt, styled by Law Roach.
- 2015 Oscars: Zendaya’s first appearance at the Academy Awards featured a white Vivienne Westwood gown and locs, making a statement on beauty representation in Hollywood.
Fans were eager to see what Zendaya would wear in 2025, making her absence even more disappointing.
The Industry’s Reaction to Zendaya’s Absence
Zendaya’s decision to skip the Oscars did not go unnoticed. Many industry insiders were surprised, particularly since Dune: Part Two was a frontrunner in multiple categories. Some critics even speculated that her absence could be a subtle protest against the Academy for snubbing Challengers. While Zendaya has not made any public statements about the snub, it’s clear that fans and critics alike felt the film deserved recognition.
What’s Next for Zendaya?
Despite missing the Oscars, Zendaya’s career remains on an upward trajectory. Here’s what she has lined up:
1. Euphoria Season 3
After much anticipation, Zendaya will return as Rue in the next season of HBO’s Euphoria. Production is in progress, and fans expect another emotionally charged performance from the actress.
2. The Odyssey
Zendaya is set to star in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, an epic retelling of the classic Greek myth. The film is already generating buzz as one of the most awaited releases of 2026.
3. Shrek 5
In an unexpected but exciting move, Zendaya is rumored to be lending her voice to Shrek 5. While details remain scarce, this marks her first major role in an animated feature.
4. The Drama
A mysterious new film featuring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson is also in development, though details are under wraps.
Conclusion
Zendaya’s absence from the 2025 Oscars may have disappointed fans, but it highlights her selective approach to public appearances. Whether it was due to an Oscars snub, personal privacy, or a packed filming schedule, her choice to skip the ceremony reflects her focus on meaningful projects rather than just Hollywood glitz.
While she may not have attended the Oscars this year, Zendaya’s influence in the film industry continues to grow. With exciting projects like Euphoria Season 3, The Odyssey, and Shrek 5 on the horizon, she remains one of the most dynamic and talented stars in Hollywood. Fans can rest assured that while she may have missed one night, her future in film is brighter than ever.
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