If you were scrolling through social media during the Zendaya golden globes 2024 weekend, you probably noticed a whole lot of... nothing. Or at least, a distinct lack of the "Style Icon" herself.
While the red carpet at the Beverly Hilton was packed with stars like Margot Robbie in her Barbie pink and Greta Lee in Loewe, Zendaya was nowhere to be found. It’s kinda weird, right? Especially considering she basically owns the red carpet every time she steps onto it.
Honestly, the confusion usually stems from the fact that people mix up their years. We get it—time is a flat circle. But in 2024, the Challengers star didn't actually have a project in the running. Dune: Part Two and Challengers were both 2024 releases, meaning they weren't eligible for the 81st Golden Globes which aired in January of that year.
The Mystery of the Missing Zendaya Golden Globes 2024 Appearance
So, what happened? Basically, she just didn't go.
She wasn't nominated. She wasn't presenting. And honestly, she was probably just busy being Zendaya. While she won a Golden Globe in 2023 for her role as Rue in Euphoria, she wasn't even there to accept that one either because she was working.
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The internet has a funny way of manifesting things that didn't happen. If you see photos floating around labeled Zendaya golden globes 2024, they are almost certainly from the following year.
2025 was the year she actually broke the internet.
In January 2025, she returned to the Globes for the first time since 2016. She wore that jaw-dropping burnt-orange custom Louis Vuitton ball gown. You know the one—the dress that looked like a literal sunset. That was also the night everyone lost their minds over the massive diamond ring on her left hand, which sparked a million Tom Holland engagement rumors.
But back in 2024? Total radio silence.
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If a celeb isn't nominated for an individual award, like Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, they often skip the circuit. In early 2024, Zendaya was gearing up for a massive press tour for Dune: Part Two. When you're about to spend three months traveling the globe and wearing archival Mugler robot suits, you probably want to spend your January weekends at home in pajamas.
- Eligibility Windows: The 2024 Globes honored films from 2023. Challengers didn't hit theaters until April 2024.
- Production Schedules: She was likely already deep into prep for her upcoming projects, including The Drama and the much-delayed Euphoria Season 3.
- Strategic Presence: Law Roach, her legendary stylist, is very intentional. They don't do "filler" appearances. Every walk down a carpet is a moment.
Looking Back at Her Actual Golden Globe History
To understand why the Zendaya golden globes 2024 search is so popular, you have to look at her track record. People expect her there because she’s a winner.
In 2023, she took home the trophy for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama. She beat out heavy hitters like Imelda Staunton and Emma D'Arcy. Even though she wasn't there to give a speech, her win solidified her as a Hollywood heavyweight, not just a Disney alum or a fashion plate.
When she finally returned in 2025, she was nominated for Challengers. That’s when she gave us the two-dress night: the orange LV gown for the carpet and that embroidered cream column dress for the actual ceremony.
The Fashion Vacuum
The lack of a Zendaya golden globes 2024 look left a bit of a hole in the fashion discourse. Usually, she and Law Roach set the trend for the entire awards season. Without her, the 2024 carpet felt a little safer. We saw a lot of "quiet luxury" and classic silhouettes.
If you're looking for her "tennis core" era or those dramatic method-dressing looks, those didn't start hitting the red carpet until the Challengers press tour later that spring.
What’s Next for Zendaya?
If you're bummed about missing her in 2024, don't worry. The 2026 season is looking very different. With Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey on the horizon, she's going to be everywhere.
The biggest takeaway here? Don't believe every "Best Dressed" Pinterest board you see. Sometimes the most iconic move a star can make is staying home.
If you want to stay updated on her real appearances, keep an eye on official film premiere dates rather than just the awards calendar. You can also track Law Roach’s Instagram for behind-the-scenes "pulls" that usually signal a major red carpet moment is coming.
Check your local theater listings for The Drama and The Odyssey releases this year to see the performances that will likely land her back on the stage in 2027.