Teyana Taylor can now add another achievement to her already impressive resume. On Thursday (Feb.26), Time dropped off its annual “Women of the Year” list. Taylor—who graces the cover of the magazine—was selected for its prestigious 2026 class, along with 15 other pioneering women. According to Taylor, she predicted it all. “I love when it’s hard—that means it’s of purpose. I want everything that is supposed to be mine. And I’m going to work my ass off to make sure that I see that.”
Taylor refers to herself as “creative” and doesn’t identify as just an actor, director, musician, dancer, or choreographer, but all of the above. While one might think her multifaceted talent would be an instant boost to her career, she admits it took time. Taylor reveals that people in the industry told her to focus on one thing at a time; however, she refused to pick a lane. That said, there came a time when she had to put down one of her many hats, specifically music.
“Everybody told me it was dumb,” Taylor Says
Taylor noted that she felt underappreciated.”Everybody told me it was dumb,” she says. “And I was like, ‘No, I am going to be a great actress. One day, I am going to be a great director.” However, she found her way back with 2025’s Escape Room. According to Taylor, stepping away from music was precisely what she needed. An ugly split with her ex-husband Iman Shumpert, and a new romance with actor Aaron Pierre worked as fuel. “I had something to talk about,” she says.
“I had experienced love. I had experienced heartbreak. I had experienced healing.” Regarding her Oscar nomination for her character Perfidia Beverly Hills in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, Taylor admits that just having the nomination is a declaration that she’s one of the best. In her opinion, even if she loses, she’s still a winner. “Even if I go home empty-handed, I have won.”
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