Zendaya playfully flashes ring fingers at Essence Black Women luncheon
Zendaya stepped out in an asymmetrical minidress worn by Whitney Houston (and Carrie Bradshaw) at Essence Black Women in Hollywood, where honorees included Kerry Washington and Chase Infiniti.
Patrick Ryan
LOS ANGELES − So is Zendaya married or not?
The “Challengers” star continued to fuel speculation about her potential nuptials to fiancé Tom Holland at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon on March 12, less than two weeks after her longtime stylist Law Roach claimed on the Actor Awards red carpet that the couple has already wed.
The famously private Zendaya, 29, made a low-key entrance at the Essence event, sneaking past reporters after posing for photos. Although the actress didn’t speak during the awards show itself, she was up on her feet dancing to a surprise performance by “Sweet Lady” crooner Tyrese and enthusiastically applauding for honorees such as Latanya Richardson Jackson.
The luncheon’s host, “Black-ish” actress Marsai Martin, teasingly addressed the elephant in the room as the event got underway.
”Hey, Z! One of our previous Black Women in Hollywood honorees,” Martin said playfully. “I know you don’t play about your personal business, but just give me a little nod, a little signal to let me know. … I’m acting like TMZ!”
Zendaya good-naturedly obliged, playfully covering her face with her hands as she flashed glittering bands on both ring fingers, earning loud cheers from the ballroom at the Century Fairmont Plaza hotel.
As always, the trendsetter made a bold style statement in a white floral Eugene Alexander minidress, previously worn by Whitney Houston and Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw.
In addition to Jackson, this year’s Essence Black Women in Hollywood event recognized “One Battle After Another” breakout Chase Infiniti, who was feted by co-star Teyana Taylor; Kerry Washington, who received a tribute from Oscar nominee Delroy Lindo; and the female cast and creative team behind “Sinners,” who were introduced by Michael B. Jordan and filmmaker Ryan Coogler.
The genre-bending “Sinners,” which is vying for a record-breaking 16 Oscars this weekend, was undoubtedly the toast of this year’s Essence event. Washington spent much of her speech heaping praise on the vampire blockbuster, while Oscar nominee Wunmi Mosaku held court at her table and took selfies with celebrity fans including “Game of Thrones” star Nathalie Emmanuel.
Deon Cole also made a surprise appearance onstage midway through the afternoon, where the comedian once again joked about the incident at the British Academy Film Awards where Jordan and Lindo were called a racial slur by Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson.
Cole previously quipped about the BAFTA situation at the NAACP Image Awards earlier this month, drawing backlash.
“This is what you shouldn’t do,” Cole told Martin onstage. “Don’t talk about nobody with Tourette’s, unless they say something about Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, and don’t apologize. You stand up for your brothers. … Those are top-shelf Black people right there.”
Essence Black Women in Hollywood is one of the many high-profile events happening around LA in the days leading up to the 98th Oscars, with various parties and red carpets celebrating young Hollywood and women in film.
The Academy Awards air March 15 (ABC and Hulu, 7 ET/4 PT).