Kai Schreiber, the 17-year-old model and daughter of actors Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, made history at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards on Friday by winning the Breakthrough Model of the Year honor and publicly identifying as the first transgender girl to receive the accolade, according to reports from Page Six and the Daily Mail.
The Breakthrough Honor at Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room
Accepting the award at Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room in New York City, Schreiber wore a lime-green mini dress by Valentino featuring voluminous long sleeves, tonal polka dots, sheer floral stockings, towering white heels with gold studs, and a jeweled diamond necklace, as reported by the Daily Mail. According to Page Six, audience members erupted in cheers when the rising star remarked during her speech, “I’m also the first trans girl to win this award.” Schreiber told the crowd that the landmark moment felt “surreal” and added, according to the Daily Mail, “It wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for all my sisters who paved the way for me in this industry. I carry that with me into every room.”
Family Support and Valentino Ties
Schreiber took time during the ceremony to thank her famous parents—who split in 2016—for their unconditional support. According to Page Six, she told the audience, “I’m so lucky to be supported by you.” Naomi Watts supported her daughter on the red carpet in a pale brown pleated tunic, skinny jeans, and aquamarine-colored suede heels, while Liev Schreiber was spotted kissing his daughter on the cheek during the event, as noted by Page Six. Schreiber also thanked the team at Maison Valentino for designing her outfit and introducing her to the fashion community, according to the Daily Mail.
Did you know? Kai Schreiber’s older brother is 19-year-old Sasha Schreiber, whom Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber also share, according to Page Six and the Daily Mail.
Industry Goals and Prior Comments
The honor follows a steady rise in the fashion industry for the teenager. In a 2025 interview with Interview Magazine cited by Page Six, Schreiber stated her ambition “to be a supermodel. Period,” adding that she had been practicing her walk in the kitchen for years. Liev Schreiber told Variety in 2025 that when his child asked the family to change her pronouns, it “didn’t feel like that big of a deal because Kai had been feminine for so long.” Liev added in the Variety interview that “Kai was always who Kai is” and noted that his daughter “is such a fighter.” Naomi Watts also previously expressed pride on social media when Schreiber appeared in her first Valentino campaign, captioning photos with “Beaming with pride,” according to Page Six.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Kai Schreiber’s parents?
Kai Schreiber’s parents are actors Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, who split in 2016, according to Page Six.
What award did Kai Schreiber win?
Schreiber won the Breakthrough Model of the Year award at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards, according to the Daily Mail.
What did Kai Schreiber note during her acceptance speech?
According to Page Six, Schreiber noted during her speech at Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room that she is the first transgender girl to win the Breakthrough Model of the Year award.
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