Teyana Taylor shuts down critics as lands in Oscar nominations

Teyana Taylor has always been one to follow her own path.

The 35-year-old singer-turned-actress is reaping the rewards, as she revealed that many warned her it was “dumb” to swap music for movies, but she was determined to prove them wrong.

The Oscar-nominated star said, while speaking to Time magazine: “Everybody told me it was dumb. And I was like: 'No, I am going to be a great actress. 

One day, I am going to be a great director’.” 

Her persistence has certainly paid off, landing roles in films including Coming 2 America and the White Men Can’t Jump remake before shining in Paul Thomas Anderson’s critically-acclaimed One Battle After Another.

Now, with a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the upcoming Academy Awards on March 15, Teyana says she’s already a winner. 

“Even if I go home empty-handed, I have won,” she admitted.

All's Fair star will go head-to-head with the likes of Elle Fanning, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Wunmi Mosaku, and remains grounded amid the glitz. 

The multi-talented star isn’t stopping there as Teyana has her sights set on an EGOT, the coveted quartet of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony wins. 

After her film success, the songstress returned to music with last year’s album Escape Room, insisting it was important to create on her own terms. 

“Your art is your art, and once you’re willing to be vulnerable and raw,” she explained.

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