Zendaya Steals the Spotlight at the SAG Awards With Controversial Attitude While Dune 2 Nominated

The 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards were brimming with star power and cinematic excellence, but one name dominated the conversations that followed: Zendaya. The highly anticipated sequel to Dune, titled Dune: Part Two, had earned a well-deserved nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. While the film’s breathtaking visuals and captivating performances were enough to make it a strong contender, it wasn’t the film’s nomination that caught the most attention. It was Zendaya’s attitude—and the drama surrounding her—that took over the headlines after the event.

Zendaya, widely adored for her impeccable style, acting talent, and down-to-earth persona, has always managed to strike the perfect balance between her professional and personal life. However, her recent behavior at the SAG Awards raised more than a few eyebrows, leading to speculation and, as usual, polarized opinions on social media. Fans and critics alike were quick to point out how her demeanor in the spotlight might not have been as polished as fans had come to expect. But the question remains: Did Zendaya’s attitude reflect a deeper message, or was it simply a case of bad optics?

The Stunning Nomination for Dune: Part Two

Before diving into Zendaya’s controversial behavior, let’s take a step back and look at what Dune: Part Two achieved at the SAG Awards. The movie, directed by Denis Villeneuve, quickly became a fan favorite for its stunning visuals, gripping storyline, and performances by an ensemble cast that included Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya herself.

The film earned a coveted nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, a category that recognizes the collective work of an entire ensemble cast. This nomination was a monumental achievement, signaling the film’s status as one of the year’s most impactful productions. The film had already garnered widespread acclaim for its ambitious scope and its success in adapting Frank Herbert’s complex sci-fi universe onto the big screen.

While the praise for the movie was immense, Zendaya’s performance, though undeniably a highlight, wasn’t the focal point of the film’s narrative. Zendaya, who played the iconic character Chani, was notably featured in Dune: Part One but had a more prominent role in the sequel. However, her screen time in the movie was still relatively limited compared to her co-stars. Despite this, Zendaya’s popularity was undeniable, and her involvement in the project alone was enough to generate buzz both online and offline.

The Dramatic Shift at the SAG Awards

As the night of the SAG Awards unfolded, Zendaya turned heads with her stunning red carpet look. Wearing a custom-made, eye-catching gown, she appeared poised and graceful as she made her way down the carpet. Her effortless beauty and charming smile were the perfect addition to the glamour of the event. But the moment Zendaya stepped inside the venue, the tone shifted.

According to multiple reports, Zendaya’s behavior during the event was less than exemplary. Although she didn’t make any overtly controversial statements, her seemingly aloof attitude caught the attention of social media users and journalists alike. From her disengagement during interviews to her lack of enthusiasm when Dune: Part Two was announced as a nominee, the star’s apparent detachment was a stark contrast to the warm and engaging personality fans were used to seeing.

Social Media Explodes: Is Zendaya Just “Over It?”

Once the event wrapped up, social media was ablaze with reactions to Zendaya’s behavior at the SAG Awards. Fans were divided, with some defending her actions as a simple display of exhaustion or just an off-night, while others took a more critical stance, questioning if the actress was becoming too big for the events she once attended with genuine excitement.

Some fans argued that Zendaya’s unenthusiastic demeanor could have been a result of exhaustion, as she’s been juggling multiple high-profile projects, including the upcoming Spider-Man movie and her ongoing role in Euphoria. Zendaya, known for her work ethic, may have simply been drained from the relentless demands of her career. After all, she is one of the busiest stars in Hollywood at the moment.

However, others were less forgiving, suggesting that Zendaya’s attitude at the SAG Awards reflected a deeper sense of arrogance. Critics speculated that her massive success had begun to influence her attitude toward events like the SAG Awards. Zendaya’s lack of interest in Dune: Part Two‘s nomination was seen by some as a sign that she had outgrown the traditional Hollywood awards circuit.

Some even pointed to Zendaya’s infamous relationship with her Euphoria co-star Tom Holland as another possible factor influencing her behavior. Many have speculated that their highly publicized relationship may have affected Zendaya’s public image, leading to a sense of entitlement that she hadn’t displayed before. The couple’s on-again, off-again relationship has been a subject of media speculation for years, and while Zendaya has kept a relatively low profile about it, her attitude at the SAG Awards seemed to speak volumes.

Zendaya’s “Elite” Status: Is She Above It All?

One of the most alarming takes from social media users was that Zendaya’s behavior reflected her belief that she was “above” events like the SAG Awards. Some Twitter users were quick to point out that Zendaya, who has amassed a significant fanbase and reached an “elite” level of fame, may have begun to view the awards as beneath her.

In a world where celebrities are constantly scrutinized, it’s easy to see how Zendaya could be facing a certain level of fatigue from the pressures of Hollywood. Her rapid rise to fame, particularly with her portrayal of Rue in Euphoria, has thrust her into the spotlight in ways that few others can relate to. It’s possible that she, like many celebrities before her, is struggling with the demands of maintaining a “perfect” image at all times.

However, others felt that Zendaya’s attitude was a sign of arrogance and that her seeming indifference to her colleagues’ hard work was disrespectful. Zendaya, who had previously been regarded as a down-to-earth star, appeared to be distancing herself from the humble persona she had cultivated over the years. Some questioned whether she was simply tired of the Hollywood machine or if she had truly grown to believe that she was too important for events like the SAG Awards.

The Zendaya “Effect”: A Double-Edged Sword

While Zendaya’s behavior may have raised some eyebrows, there’s no denying that her actions are part of a broader trend in Hollywood. As celebrities rise to greater heights of fame and success, the pressure to conform to industry standards often becomes unbearable. In this sense, Zendaya’s attitude could be viewed as a reflection of the toxic culture that pervades Hollywood—the same culture that values fame over authenticity and demands perfection at every turn.

Yet, some might argue that Zendaya’s actions are simply part of her evolution as an artist and public figure. She has always marched to the beat of her own drum, and this behavior could be seen as an assertion of her own agency in an industry that often tries to mold stars into marketable products. Zendaya’s ability to break the mold and remain unapologetically herself could be exactly what the industry needs: a reminder that stars are humans, too.

In fact, Zendaya’s subtle defiance might be the ultimate statement of independence. By refusing to conform to the expectations of her fans and the media, Zendaya could be setting a precedent for other stars who feel pressured to maintain a certain image. Perhaps, in her own way, Zendaya is telling Hollywood that she no longer needs to play the game.

Was Zendaya Right to Act the Way She Did?

As with most controversies surrounding Hollywood’s brightest stars, the true story behind Zendaya’s attitude at the SAG Awards will likely remain shrouded in mystery. Fans and critics will continue to debate whether her behavior was a sign of exhaustion, entitlement, or something more profound. What is undeniable, however, is that Zendaya’s actions have made one thing clear: she is no longer the same person she was when she first entered Hollywood.

Whether you love her or hate her, Zendaya’s evolution as a public figure is undeniable. As her career continues to soar, we can only wonder how her attitude—and the reactions it sparks—will shape the future of her career. One thing is certain: Zendaya is not afraid to make waves, and if that means leaving a few people disappointed along the way, she seems perfectly fine with it.