Tom Holland appeared to keep his disappointment under control after Zendaya lost at the 2026 Emmy Awards, per a body language expert. The Tom Holland’s ‘Secret Disappointment’ After Zendaya’s Emmy Loss Revealed first appeared on The Blast

Tom Holland appeared to keep his disappointment under control after Zendaya lost at the 2026 Emmy Awards, according to a body language expert who analyzed the actor’s reaction. Zendaya was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her final performance as Rue Bennett in HBO’s “Euphoria.” However, the award ultimately went to “Pluribus” star Rhea Seehorn. Although Zendaya appeared gracious as Seehorn celebrated, expert Darren Stanton claims Holland displayed several subtle signs that he was privately frustrated by the result.

Expert Claims Tom Holland Displayed A ‘Fake Smile’

Holland attended the September 14 ceremony to support Zendaya, marking a rare public award-show appearance for the longtime couple. After Seehorn’s name was announced, cameras captured the reactions of the other nominees and their guests. Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Stanton claimed Holland attempted to conceal his disappointment by displaying what the expert described as a “textbook social smile.”

“It’s a natural reaction from Tom Holland following Zendaya’s loss, with several key elements to pick up on here,” Stanton said. “Firstly, he is showing some outward leakage signals and a fake smile. You can see that the crows feet aren’t there and the whole face isn’t engaged. This is a textbook social smile. There is no emotion there and he’s secretly disappointed for Zendaya.”

Tom Holland’s Lips Allegedly Exposed What He Was Holding Back

The body language expert also focused on Holland’s mouth, claiming the “Spider-Man” actor appeared to suppress an emotional response. “The second is lip suppression. This is essentially what people do when they want to say something or feel a certain way,” he said. “It’s an unconscious gesture when they have to stop the words coming out. Tom is almost holding his breath until the moment has passed. The more he’s trying to keep it in, the more he wants to get it out.”

Stanton did not suggest that Holland was angry with Seehorn or questioned her victory. Instead, his analysis focused on the possibility that Holland was disappointed for Zendaya after accompanying her to the ceremony and watching her compete for a third lead actress Emmy.

Holland has regularly supported Zendaya’s career while the pair has maintained a relatively private relationship away from premieres and promotional appearances.

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Zendaya Was ‘Gracious’ Following Rhea Seehorn’s Victory

While Stanton saw signs of concealed disappointment from Holland, he interpreted Zendaya’s reaction differently. The expert claimed the actress responded to her loss without displaying visible frustration or resentment.

“Looking at Rhea’s reaction to winning, she showed an immediate response when her name was read out. I don’t think she thought for a minute that she was going to win,” he said. “Her hands covering her mouth indicate the emotion of surprise. By contrast, Zendaya appeared humble and authentic after losing, and showed no signs of anger and seemed gracious. As a couple, Tom and Zendaya are very grounded and what you see is what you get with them.”

Zendaya competed against Seehorn, Carrie Coon, Chase Infiniti and Keri Russell in the category. Seehorn’s victory recognized her performance as Carol Sturka in “Pluribus.”

‘Euphoria’ Earned Zendaya Six Emmy Nominations

The 2026 nomination marked Zendaya’s sixth overall Emmy nomination connected to “Euphoria,” including recognition for acting, producing, and music. She previously won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for playing Rue in 2020 and 2022.

Her first victory made her the youngest performer to win the category. Her second made her the first Black woman to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series twice. During her 2022 acceptance speech, Zendaya reflected on the impact “Euphoria” had on viewers who identified with Rue’s struggles.

“I want you to know that anyone who has loved a Rue, or feels like they are a Rue, I want you to know that I am so grateful for your stories,” she said. “Thank you to [series creator] Sam [Levinson] for sharing Rue with me, thank you for believing in me even in moments where I didn’t believe in myself.”

Although she did not take home a third trophy in 2026, the nomination marked one final recognition for her work as Rue following the show’s third and final season.

Zendaya And Tom Holland’s Marital Status Remains Confusing

Holland’s appearance beside Zendaya also attracted attention because of continued uncertainty surrounding whether the couple has officially married. The actors confirmed their relationship in 2021 after years of speculation. Holland has since referred to Zendaya as “my wife,” including during a podcast appearance in July.

However, Zendaya’s longtime stylist, Law Roach, complicated the story while speaking during the Emmy Awards preshow. “Well, I actually lied, she wasn’t married. They actually haven’t had an official ceremony yet. It’s gonna happen after the Dune press tour,” Roach said, per PEOPLE, while walking back his earlier claim that the couple had already married.

When questioned again, Roach insisted, “No, the wedding hasn’t happened. I mean, she’s been his ‘wife’ for a really long time now, but it’s not official yet.”

Whatever their exact marital status may be, Holland’s attendance at the Emmys proved his continued support for Zendaya.

The Tom Holland’s ‘Secret Disappointment’ After Zendaya’s Emmy Loss Revealed first appeared on The Blast