By Kien Lee
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman has long defined the current cultural moment with a poise that belies her years. As of October 2025 the American actor and producer cemented her status among the pantheon of cinematic greats by becoming the newest Rolex Testimonee. This prestigious appointment sees the Dune star joining an elite circle of motion picture legends that includes James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, Jia Zhangke and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Her trajectory from a Disney Channel prodigy to a creative force in Hollywood is a study in artistic evolution. Zendaya transitioned into mature roles with a command that earned her critical acclaim and solidified her place as a generational talent. Her raw portrayal of Rue Bennett in HBO’s Euphoria made history when she became the youngest two-time acting winner in Primetime Emmy history. She moves seamlessly between the intimate intensity of Malcolm & Marie and the blockbuster scale of Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise. Her role as Chani in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films alongside Timothée Chalamet has anchored one of the most celebrated film series of the decade.
The year 2026 promises to be another watershed moment for the star as she prepares to appear in Christopher Nolan’s anticipated film The Odyssey and the third installment of the Dune saga. Her versatility will be further displayed in upcoming projects including Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Shrek 5 and The Drama.
Beyond the screen she stands as a global fashion icon and a committed advocate. Zendaya lends her voice to causes of racial justice and gender equality while championing mental health awareness with a refreshing openness. This integrity has earned her a spot on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
It is fitting that a talent with over 177 million Instagram followers and a palpable connection to the spirit of the age should align with a brand deeply rooted in cinema history. The house of Rolex has maintained an inextricable link to the movies since the dawn of the talkies in 1927.
By welcoming Zendaya into its Perpetual Arts Initiative the watchmaker acknowledges a creative force who is continuously expanding the boundaries of storytelling. She embodies a rare blend of commercial appeal and critical prestige that is truly timeless.
