Naomi Watts’ 17‑Year‑Old Kai Wins Daily Front Row Trans Model Award

Kai Schreiber, the daughter of actresses Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, took home the Breakthrough Model of the Year trophy at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards on Friday. The ceremony saw Kai step onto the stage wearing a jeweled necklace and a lime‑green mini dress by Valentino.

She thanked everyone who had “so graciously welcomed [her] into this beautiful world of fashion,” .

“I’m so beyond excited that I get to learn more about it every day and call it my job,” Kai told the audience. Her enthusiasm was met with cheers when she added, “I’m also the first trans girl to win this award.” The moment was captured on camera as she described the honor as “surreal.”

The night was a family affair. Naomi Watts posed on the red carpet beside her daughter, while Liev Schreiber was seen kissing Kai on the cheek. The two parents, who divorced in 2016, have two children: Kai, 17, and Sasha Schreiber, 19.

## Background & Context

Kai’s breakthrough follows a year‑long campaign for Valentino that she launched last year. Naomi Watts shared a photo of the shoot on Instagram with the caption “Beaming with pride 😃 🙌.” The campaign was one of the first major projects to feature Kai in a high‑profile setting.

The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards recognize emerging talent in the industry, and the Breakthrough Model of the Year award is regarded as a career‑launching accolade. In 2025, Kai told Interview Magazine that she “wants to be a supermodel.

Period.” She explained that she has been practicing her runway walk in the kitchen for years and believes her early struggles with gender identity helped shape her resilience.

Liev Schreiber, in a 2025 interview with, noted that when Kai asked his family to change her pronouns, it “didn’t feel like that big of a deal because Kai had been feminine for so long.” He described Kai as “such a fighter” and highlighted the significance of her being open about her identity.

## Reactions

During the award acceptance, Kai thanked her parents for their unconditional support. She also praised her sisters for paving the way in the fashion world and added that she carries that legacy into every room. The audience reacted with applause when she highlighted her status as the first trans girl to win the award.

Maison Valentino’s team received a nod from Kai, who said they “not only designed this outfit but also introduced me to this community and continued to believe in me.” The fashion house’s involvement was evident as Kai wore a striking Valentino mini dress and jeweled necklace.

A representative for Kai did not immediately respond to request for comment on Saturday. No further statements from the model’s camp were reported.

## What Happens Next

While no official plans have been announced, Kai’s win positions her for potential future collaborations with major fashion houses. Her recent Valentino campaign and the award suggest she may secure additional modeling work in the coming months.

The lack of immediate comment from her representatives leaves her next steps open to speculation, but industry insiders anticipate further visibility for Kai as she continues to break ground.

The award not only marks a personal triumph for Kai but also signals growing recognition of trans talent within the fashion industry. Her journey reflects both familial support and a broader shift toward inclusivity in modeling.