Key Takeaways
- Teyana Taylor left the music industry in 2020 despite criticism.
- She is now an Oscar nominee and Grammy nominee in the same season.
- Taylor earned her first Oscar nod for One Battle After Another.
- She returned to music in 2025 with her Grammy-nominated album Escape Room.
- Her long-term goal? Achieving EGOT status.
Teyana Taylor Proves Critics Wrong
Teyana Taylor is living proof that betting on yourself can pay off.
The 35-year-old singer, actress, director, and creative powerhouse recently reflected on her decision to leave the music industry in 2020 — a move many people told her was “dumb.”
“Everybody told me it was dumb,” Taylor said in a recent interview. “And I was like, ‘No, I am going to be a great actress. One day, I am going to be a great director.’”
Fast forward to 2026, and Taylor is now both an Oscar nominee and a Grammy nominee — a rare achievement that highlights her range as a multi-hyphenate entertainer.
From R&B Star to Oscar Nominee
Before stepping away from music, Taylor had already made waves:
- Starred in Kanye West’s viral “Fade” music video (2016 MTV VMAs premiere)
- Released her 2014 hit single “Maybe”
- Built a loyal fan base as an R&B artist
Despite that momentum, she felt unsupported within the music industry.
Instead of staying boxed in, she pivoted toward acting.
That decision led to major film roles in:
- Coming 2 America
- A Thousand and One
- White Men Can’t Jump
Her biggest breakthrough came with One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Chase Infiniti, and Regina Hall.
Taylor’s performance as Perfidia Beverly Hills earned her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination — her first Academy Award nod.
The film secured 12 additional nominations, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio
Even with the high stakes of awards season, Taylor remains grounded.
“Even if I go home empty-handed, I have won,” she said.
Teyana Taylor and the EGOT Dream
Taylor isn’t stopping at an Oscar nomination.
“I would love the EGOT,” she shared.
For those unfamiliar, EGOT status is achieved by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award — one of the rarest accomplishments in entertainment. Only a small group of entertainers in history have achieved it.
Taylor added with confidence and humor:
“And if I don’t get that Tony, guess what that T is gonna stand for? Teyana.”
Her ambition reflects a larger trend in Hollywood: artists no longer limit themselves to one lane. Today’s entertainment industry rewards versatility — especially for creatives who write, direct, produce, and perform across mediums.
The Return to Music: Escape Room
While building her film career, Taylor eventually felt called back to music.
In 2025, she released Escape Room, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.
She explained that returning to music on her own terms made all the difference.
“All I ever wanted was to feel appreciated, and I wanted to feel utilized. I didn’t want to be stuck or put into one box.”
The album marked a vulnerable and healing chapter in her life, especially after her divorce from former NBA player Iman Shumpert. The pair share two daughters, Junie and Rue Rose.
“I love to create and direct, so being able to come back to music in such a vulnerable way was very healing for me,” Taylor said.
Awards Season Energy and Hollywood Momentum
Taylor also spoke about the joy of celebrating alongside her fellow nominees, including Jacob Elordi. Competing in a category that includes Elle Fanning, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Amy Madigan, and Wunmi Mosaku, Taylor remains focused on gratitude rather than pressure.
“We’re young, we’re blessed, we’re being celebrated — this is the time to be happy and to have fun with it.”
Her perspective stands out in an awards season culture often described as intense and hyper-competitive.
What’s Next for Teyana Taylor?
Taylor confirmed plans to tour in late summer 2026, signaling that her music comeback is just getting started.
With:
- An Oscar nomination
- A Grammy nomination
- Expanding directing ambitions
- A possible tour on the horizon
Teyana Taylor is positioning herself as one of the most dynamic creatives in entertainment.
The Bigger Picture: Multi-Hyphenate Careers in 2026
Taylor’s journey reflects a growing shift in the entertainment industry. Artists are no longer confined to one title. Singers become directors. Actors produce films. Creators launch brands.
The key takeaway? The industry is evolving — and so are the people in it.
As Taylor put it:
“When you have a creative that does it all, let them spread their wings. Never cage a creative.”
For entertainment professionals watching from the sidelines, her story is a reminder that strategic pivots, creative control, and long-term vision can redefine a career.
Stay tuned to Project Casting for the latest entertainment industry news, casting updates, and career insights.
