Kai Schreiber received a standing ovation after becoming the first transgender girl to win Breakthrough Model of the Year at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards in New York.
The 17-year-old accepted the award at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center on Friday, with her mother, actor Naomi Watts, supporting her at the ceremony.
Schreiber said it was “surreal” to be recognised so early in her modelling career and spoke of being welcomed into the fashion industry.
“I’m so beyond excited that I get to learn more about it every day and call it my job,” she said.
She then added: “I’m also the first transgender girl to win this award,” prompting cheers and sustained applause from the audience.
Schreiber said the honour “wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for all my sisters who paved the way for me in this industry”. She added: “I carry that with me into every room.”
Concluding her speech, she said: “To say the least, I’ve found my fashion family, and I couldn’t be more happy.”
She also thanked her family “for their unconditional support and devotion to making me happy and making my dreams come true”, adding: “I’m so lucky to be supported by you.”
Schreiber wore a lime-green mini dress with voluminous sleeves and tonal polka dots, teamed with sheer floral-patterned stockings, towering white heels and a diamond necklace. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun.
She thanked Valentino for designing the outfit and “for being the ones that introduced me to this community and continued to believe in me”.
Watts joined her daughter on the red carpet in a pale brown pleated tunic, skinny jeans and aquamarine suede heels. She completed the look with a small studded black handbag, while Schreiber carried a boxy black clutch.
Schreiber is the daughter of Watts and actor Liev Schreiber, who were in a relationship from 2005 to 2016. The former couple also have a 19-year-old son, Sasha, and have maintained a positive co-parenting relationship.
Speaking in May about his daughter’s transition, Liev Schreiber said: “Kai was always who Kai is. But I suppose the most profound moment was her asking us to change her pronouns.”
He added: “Kai is such a fighter. It’s important that she goes, ‘Hey, I am trans,’ and, ‘Look at me,’ and, ‘F*** you. F*** off.’”
