‘Smells like success’: 25 of The Funniest Reactions to Zendaya’s Iconic 2026 Emmys Look

Melissa Knudson • Writer

Sep 17, 2026 7:45 AM EDT

**Can she get any more perfect? *Insert Chandler's tone**

Zendaya has become an icon of her generation, no doubt. Not only is she crazy talented and currently starring in what feels like EVERYTHING that comes out, but she has also gained herself an outstanding reputation when it comes to fashion. From Shake It Up to The Odyssey, she never seems to fall short of epicness, whereas we feel like we went too far that one time we wore a shirt that was a slightly different shade of grey than what we are used to. Zendaya, if you're reading this (because, like, of course, why wouldn't she be reading this piece of masterful writing), girl, leave a little success for the rest of us, please.

Miss "Perfect at absolutely everything she does" strikes back with a classic look and a short pixie cut that, yes, we saw it, you saw it: has Halle Berry kind of sparkle. When it comes to her, all that is needed to make the internet go completely wild is a visit to the hair salon. Like her, when we visit the hair salon, the internet goes crazy too (as long as "the internet" is the way we saved our elderly aunt on our phones; she likes our hairstyle).

The Queen slays every single time. The 2026 Emmy Awards were no exception, of course. If you're anything like us, you've been obsessing about this outfit ensemble for the past few hours already, and so you will enjoy what this top-notch X user had to say about it. Disclaimer: The multiverse might actually break with this one.

Also, your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man was there too, as if this picture needed to get any more trendy. Tom and Zendaya came in like the ultimate power couple. We did too, as we coupled together our equal parts excitement and pure jealousy (with just a little touch of "how dare you be so pretty" to really give it the chef's kiss).

Let us know who wore it best: you or us. And we are clearly talking about the shock expressions permanently implanted on our faces after seeing how effortlessly stunning Zendaya looks once again.

01

via The Hollywood Reporter via @PopBase
02
Indeed it does

via @simisaysitall
03
Give them a rise for sure

via @rabbitSZN2
04
At this point, the entire world is her runway

via @kryptosopus
05
And its own racing track

via @Fityeth
06
Maybe like a super cool aunt

via @cortielleee
07
We prefer Mr. Zendaya

via @LuiizFiilho
08
You mean to say A QUEEN

via @AcrobatTingz
09
Maybe call your internet provider

via @hettnerhanck2y
10
The real Odyssey is trying not to feel jealous

via @wdyek_ism @spidermanakgae
11
Spiderman won at life

via @Akshaya_sharma9
12
Some Hollywood producer out there is smiling at this

via @Ainseelvly
13
*Insert butterflies

via @kaylinworthy
14
The Queen with The Queen

via @Britt93163586
15
No "sashay away" today

via @TeamNic2
16
Internet explorer just entered the myspace

via @JuntaMiles2
17
This is one Empire we don't mind that much

via @jonsnow1156
18
A dermatologist here. We have no proof and we have no doubt

via @TheQueenofbklyn
19
The post credit scene we all needed

via @DeathEndLife
20
*Chef's kiss

via @DantejonesX
21
We'll call it "The Zendaya"

via @LyfiGreens_
22
Lighting is optional tbh

via @luciavalve14628
23
A whole meal really

via @alexisboness
24
We are sadly just allergic to pollen

via @FtoniaUc
25
The ultimate callback

via @theehotmess
26
And won

via @Fityeth