Halle Berry has shared that she sees Zendaya as a trailblazer in the industry! As People shares, Berry and Zendaya both participated in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's panel "Women Breaking Barriers: An Industry Shift" on Sunday, where they had an insightful conversation about how Zendaya's success is a sign that Hollywood is changing for the better.
Berry tells Zendaya she "couldn't be prouder" of her
Berry talked about how noteworthy it is that the Euphoria star has already managed to achieve what she has. "At 24, that she can have an idea and go get it done and get enough support behind her to get that done and to give her the power and to keep the creativity," Berry explained, "I think that says so much for where we have gotten and that is what makes me want to keep fighting, because of Zendaya, at 24, a Black woman can do that."
She then addressed Zendaya directly, saying how the young actress's success "is proof-positive that things are changing" when it comes to uplifting Black voices in the entertainment industry. "I couldn't be prouder and I know you probably can't be prouder of yourself, which is most important," Berry told her. "But it's proof that it's changing, for sure."
Zendaya talks about being respected by male colleagues
Zendaya then added her voice to the conversation, mentioning how supportive the director and co-star of her upcoming Netflix film— the black and white drama Malcolm & Marie— have been of her as an artist. "I've been lucky enough to work with men who have respected my power, and encouraged it," she shared, "with that being Sam [Levinson] and obviously John [David Washington]."
Levinson also directed Euphoria, which Zendaya won an Emmy for in 2020— an achievement that makes her the youngest winner of the Best Actress in a Drama Series in the award show's history! However, Zendaya acknowledged that she wouldn't have been afforded the opportunities she currently has if it wasn't for the Black actresses who paved the way for her to get to this point.
The actress believes that representation matters!
Charlize Theron Says She Wants Her Adopted Daughters To "See Themselves" And "Feel They Belong"
"I've been lucky to be in those experiences that are collaborative and open to what the world should be looking like," she continued. "Had it not been for the women before me, I wouldn't be in this position." Berry and Zendaya were also joined by Robin Wright, Andra Day, and Sia for the panel, which was moderated by the HFPA's Elisabeth Sereda and Silvia Bizio.
Zendaya Is Feeling The Pressure!
Zendaya Opens Up About Not Wanting To Let People Down Amid New Movie Release
Sharing her thoughts on the male-dominated industry!
Hollywood Hasn't Changed For Women Since 'Thelma & Louise' Says Star Geena Davis
