Kai Schreiber has celebrated a major milestone in her young modelling career after receiving the Breakthrough Model of the Year award at The Daily Front Row's Fashion Media Awards in New York.
The 17-year-old model, the daughter of actors Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, accepted the award during the ceremony at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center. During her acceptance speech, Schreiber highlighted what she described as another significant first, telling the audience that she was the first transgender girl to win the honour.
The moment was met with loud cheers and applause from the audience, marking an important occasion for Schreiber as she continues to establish herself in the fashion industry.
Kai Schreiber Reflects on Her Modelling Achievement
Speaking at the ceremony, Schreiber described the recognition as surreal, particularly so early in her modelling career.
She thanked those who had welcomed her into the fashion world and spoke positively about the opportunity to continue learning as she develops her career.
'I'm also the first transgender girl to win this award,' Schreiber said during her speech, according to reports from the event.
She also paid tribute to transgender models who came before her, acknowledging the people she credited with helping create opportunities for others in the fashion industry.
Schreiber said the achievement would not have been possible without the transgender women who had 'paved the way' for her. She added that she carries their influence with her as she enters different spaces within the industry.
Her comments received a particularly enthusiastic response from the audience.
A Major Moment at the Fashion Media Awards
The Breakthrough Model of the Year award is presented as part of The Daily Front Row's Fashion Media Awards, an annual event celebrating figures and achievements across the fashion industry.
For Schreiber, the recognition comes relatively early in her modelling career. Her professional profile with IMG Models lists runway appearances for major fashion houses including Valentino, Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier, Khaite and Iris van Herpen.
Her modelling career began to attract wider attention in 2025 when she made her runway debut for Valentino during Paris Fashion Week. She has since appeared in fashion editorials, campaigns and runway shows, building a growing portfolio with international designers and publications.
The latest award therefore adds another notable achievement to a career that is still in its early stages.
Schreiber Thanks Her Parents for Their Support
Schreiber also used her acceptance speech to thank her family, describing her parents' support as unconditional.
Watts attended the ceremony and supported her daughter on the red carpet. The actress and Schreiber have previously spoken publicly about supporting Kai, while Liev Schreiber has also discussed his pride in his daughter.
At the awards ceremony, Kai expressed gratitude for the encouragement she has received while pursuing modelling and her ambitions within fashion.
She also thanked Valentino, crediting the fashion house with helping introduce her to the industry and continuing to support her work.
Kai Schreiber's Growing Fashion Career
Although Schreiber is still only 17, she has already built an international modelling résumé.
Her IMG Models profile currently lists her with the agency in several major fashion markets, including New York, Paris, Milan, London, Los Angeles and Sydney. Her portfolio includes work connected with brands such as Valentino, Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier and Iris van Herpen.
She has also appeared in fashion publications including AnOther Magazine and Harper's Bazaar Italia. Her rise in fashion has attracted attention partly because of her family background. Kai is the daughter of Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, who were previously in a relationship and share two children.
However, her latest achievement comes as she continues to develop her own identity within the modelling industry.
A Significant First for Kai
Schreiber's statement that she is the first transgender girl to receive the Breakthrough Model of the Year award was one of the defining moments of her acceptance speech.
While that historical distinction is based on Schreiber's own statement and has not been independently documented in the available award history, there is no dispute that she received the 2026 Breakthrough Model of the Year honour at The Daily Front Row's Fashion Media Awards.
For Schreiber, the significance of the moment extended beyond the trophy itself. Her remarks focused on the transgender models who came before her and the support that helped her find a place in fashion.
With another major achievement now added to her growing résumé, Kai Schreiber is continuing to make her mark on the modelling world while recognising the people she believes helped make that path possible.
