Oscar-nominated star Teyana Taylor has revealed she relishes the “hard work” of Hollywood, insisting that her recent awards success is the result of a lifelong ambition, per film-news.co.uk.
The 35-year-old actress, who pivotally walked away from the music industry in 2020 to pursue acting, told TIME magazine that she remains undeterred by the challenges of the film business. “I love when it’s hard, that means it’s of purpose,” she said. “I want everything that is supposed to be mine, and I’m going to work my arse off to see that.”
Taylor’s career shift has paid off with an Academy Award nomination for her role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2025 thriller, One Battle After Another. Despite the pressure of awards season, the actress maintains a grounded perspective. “Even if I go home empty-handed, I have won,” she remarked.
Speaking on the Awardist podcast, Taylor reflected on a whirlwind year that included hosting Saturday Night Live.
“I’ve always been a big dreamer. Who would’ve ever thought that I would’ve been hosting SNL in the same year that I’m nominated for an Oscar? I used to be that little girl watching at home.”
The star also addressed her recent appearances with fellow actor Jacob Elordi, which have set social media alight. Taylor laughed off the “spicy” rumours, describing their bond as a lighthearted friendship in an often “robotic” industry. “We’re literally just in our own little world… Half the time we’re talking about having the same haircut, going mullet for mullet.”
With her sights now set on directing, Taylor is proving her doubters wrong. “Everybody told me [leaving music] was dumb,” she recalled. “And I was like, ‘No, I am going to be a great actress. One day, I am going to be a great director.’”
•Featured image: Tayana Taylor/Getty Images
