Actor Noah Schnapp has been honored with the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Critics Choice Association’s 3rd Annual Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television. The event took place at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on Friday, May 29, and recognized achievements in film and television that have contributed to LGBTQ+ representation and storytelling. The 21 year old actor received the award for his work in the final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things. According to the Critics Choice Association, his portrayal of Will Byers helped bring attention to the experience of a young person coming to terms with their identity during the 1980s. The role has been widely discussed for its emotional depth and its contribution to conversations around representation on screen.
The award was presented by Variety Senior Artisans Editor Jazz Tangcay. During his acceptance speech, Noah spoke about the connection he found between his own life and the character he has portrayed for years on the popular Netflix series.
Reflecting on the experience, Noah said that he “didn’t realize how much Will Byers’ journey had been preparing him for his own experience coming out at 18.” His comments highlighted the similarities he discovered between his personal life and the story of his character as the series progressed.
Noah publicly came out in January 2023 through a TikTok video, where he confirmed his sexuality to fans. Since then, he has occasionally spoken about his experiences and the support he received following the announcement.
#StrangerThings star Noah Schnapp says he “didn’t realize how much Will Byers’ journey had been preparing” him for his own experience coming out at 18:
— Variety (@Variety) May 29, 2026
“The vulnerability, the fear of how people perceive you, the desperate hope that the people you love will still see you the… pic.twitter.com/Ub3sNNJmh6
At the event, Noah also posed for photographs with actor Dan Levy and filmmaker Clea DuVall. Dan Levy was among the honorees of the evening and received the Vanguard Award for his work on the Netflix series Big Mistakes. The ceremony brought together actors, creators and industry professionals involved in LGBTQ+ storytelling across television and film.
The recognition adds to what has already been a significant year for Noah. Earlier this month, he celebrated his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania alongside family and friends. He also recently reunited with several of his Stranger Things co stars during a Netflix FYSEE event, where cast members came together ahead of the show’s highly anticipated final season.
With this latest award, Noah Schnapp has received recognition not only for his performance as Will Byers but also for the impact the role has had on audiences and conversations around representation in entertainment.