Teyana Taylor made headlines when she chose to walk away from a successful music career to pursue acting — a decision many critics labeled risky and even “dumb.” Best known for songs like “Maybe” and her unforgettable appearance in Kanye West’s “Fade” music video, Taylor had already carved out a recognizable space in the music industry. Yet behind the scenes, she often felt unsupported and creatively unfulfilled.
In 2020, after years of navigating the highs and lows of the music business, Taylor made the difficult decision to step away from recording and touring. While fans were surprised and some industry insiders questioned her move, she remained unwavering in her belief that acting was her true calling. Rather than viewing the pivot as a gamble, Taylor saw it as an investment in her long-term artistic growth.
Her determination soon began to pay off. She secured roles in major productions, including Coming 2 America, where she appeared alongside an ensemble cast in the long-awaited sequel. She then delivered a critically acclaimed performance in A Thousand and One, a role that showcased her dramatic depth and emotional range. Taylor continued to build momentum with a part in White Men Can’t Jump, proving her versatility across genres.
However, it was her powerful portrayal of Perfidia Beverly Hills in One Battle After Another that catapulted her to new heights in 2025. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, the film became one of the year’s most celebrated releases. Taylor’s layered and magnetic performance earned widespread praise from critics and audiences alike — and ultimately secured her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Reflecting on her journey in an interview with Time magazine, Taylor addressed the skepticism she faced when leaving music behind. “Everybody told me it was dumb,” she said. “And I was like, ‘No, I am going to be a great actress. One day, I am going to be a great director.’” Her words underscore a confidence that has fueled her transition and silenced many of her early doubters.
Despite the pressure that often accompanies an Oscar nomination, Taylor appears remarkably grounded. She insists that simply being nominated is already a victory. “Even if I go home empty-handed, I have won,” she shared, emphasizing that recognition from the Academy signals she is considered among the best in her field.
The awards season has also brought unexpected friendships. Taylor has formed a close bond with fellow nominee Jacob Elordi, whom she affectionately calls her “awards-season bestie.” She describes their dynamic as lighthearted and joyful, a refreshing contrast to the often intense atmosphere of Hollywood’s biggest events.
“We’re young, we’re blessed, we’re being celebrated — this is the time to be happy and to have fun with it,” she explained. “Especially in a space that some people take so seriously, and some people are cold, some people are robotic. I know to the world, it looks spicy, but we’re literally just in our own little world. Half the time we’re talking about having the same haircut, going mullet for mullet.”
In the Best Supporting Actress category, Taylor faces strong competition. Fellow nominees include Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for Sentimental Value, Amy Madigan for Weapons, and Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners.
Meanwhile, One Battle After Another has emerged as a major awards contender overall, earning 12 additional Oscar nominations. These include Best Picture, Best Director for Anderson, and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. The film also features an impressive cast that includes Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Chase Infiniti, and Regina Hall.
For Taylor, the nomination represents more than just an accolade — it validates her leap of faith. What some once dismissed as a misguided career move has transformed into one of Hollywood’s most inspiring success stories. Whether she takes home the Oscar or not, Teyana Taylor has already proven that betting on yourself can lead to extraordinary results.
