UPDATE 05/17/16 9:15 a.m. ET: Kim Kardashian kept it simple with her Webbys acceptance speech Monday, delivering a very special message for the haters: "Nude selfies until I die."
See original story from 05/11/16 below.
In 2014, Kim Kardashian set out to "break the internet" by baring her oiled derriere on the cover of Paper. As of 2016, she has not only reached her goal but exceeded it, enough much so that the Webbys awarded her its first Break the Internet Award.
The Webby Awards, which are overseen by the International Academy of the Digital Arts & Sciences, selected Kim for the new special achievement award because of the way she's used the internet to help her achieve and maintain her celebrity. "It would be difficult to underestimate the importance of Kim Kardashian West’s impact on the Internet," the organization said.
The Webbys credit Kim with creating "a new kind of celebrity," one that publicizes her family and family life with the help of the internet. From supporting Caitlyn Jenner to releasing her own emoji platform Kimojis, the Webbys found Kim's use of the internet innovative.
As the leading celebrity in terms of her online presence and understanding of how to connect with a global audience via social media, apps and online video, Kim has set the standard incredibly high. It is to her credit that the phrase “break the Internet” is part of the lexicon of everyday speak—she has shaped our understanding of how someone or something can draw the popular attention of Internet users everywhere.
Future celebrities looking to follow in Kim's footsteps will have to go above and beyond. In outlining how they defined the category, the Webby organizers said the award will go to "A person with an undeniable talent and natural ability to use the Internet to create buzz, engage with fans and communities, and get the world to pay attention."
Kim's husband Kanye West also won a Webby for Artist of the Year. It looks like they'll have to make room on their mantle for all those shiny accolades.
