Breakthrough Performance Award for LGBTQ+ representation
Noah Schnapp just added another feather to his cap. The 21-year-old Stranger Things star was honored with the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Critics Choice Association’s 3rd Annual Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television. The glitzy ceremony went down at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, celebrating the best in queer storytelling across film and TV.
The award recognized Noah’s powerful portrayal of Will Byers in the final season of Netflix’s monster hit. According to the Critics Choice Association, his performance brought much-needed attention to the experience of a young person grappling with their identity in the 1980s. Variety Senior Artisans Editor Jazz Tangcay presented the award, making the evening extra special for the young star.
Will Byers’ journey mirrored his own
During his acceptance speech, Noah got real about the deep connection between his character and his personal life. The actor revealed that playing Will Byers for years secretly prepared him for his own coming out journey. He shared that he “didn’t realize how much Will Byers’ journey had been preparing him for his own experience coming out at 18.”
Noah publicly came out in January 2023 through a TikTok video, confirming his sexuality to fans in a simple, joyful post. Since then, he’s occasionally opened up about the overwhelming support he received. The actor’s words at the ceremony struck a chord with many, highlighting how art can sometimes mirror life in the most unexpected ways.
The night wasn’t just about Noah though. He also posed for photos with actor Dan Levy and filmmaker Clea DuVall. Levy took home the Vanguard Award for his work on the Netflix series Big Mistakes, making it a star-studded celebration of queer talent.
Big year for the young star
This award caps off what’s already been a massive year for Noah. Earlier this month, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, celebrating with family and friends. He also reunited with his Stranger Things co-stars at a Netflix FYSEE event, where the gang got together ahead of the show’s highly anticipated final season.
With this latest honor, Noah Schnapp has earned recognition not just for his acting chops but for the real-world impact of his role. Will Byers has become a symbol for young viewers navigating their own identities, and Noah’s openness about his personal journey has only deepened that connection. As the final season of Stranger Things approaches, fans are eager to see how Will’s story comes full circle — both on screen and off.