Teyana Taylor captivated audiences once again on January 13, 2026, at the New York City afterparty for her new Netflix film, The Rip. Alongside Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, Taylor’s presence and chemistry with Hollywood’s leading men ignited a social media frenzy, fueling discussions about “Ben Affleck The Rip” and her rising star power.
The event, held at Lincoln Center, was intended to celebrate the film’s release but quickly shifted focus when a candid video of Taylor interacting with Affleck and Damon captured online attention. Fans responded with enthusiasm over the genuine moments shared among the trio, intensifying excitement for the movie and highlighting Taylor’s growing influence in Hollywood.
Unexpected Moments with Hollywood Icons Capture Attention
The clip shows 35-year-old Teyana Taylor engaged in relaxed, warm exchanges with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon during the afterparty. She laughs alongside Affleck as they share a casual moment, appearing completely at ease. Taylor also converses animatedly with Damon, who responds with a calm smile, holding a drink.
The vibrant atmosphere saw Taylor dressed in a stylish belted trench coat and dark sunglasses, accentuated by a white purse, as she matched the evening’s energy. The footage sparked quick discussions online, with viewers commenting on Taylor’s personable nature and ease while mingling with the famed actors.
One online observer noted the close physical interaction, writing,
“She’s so personal and touchy feely, but in a good way!!! She’s just THAT GIRL!!🔥🤎”
Another remarked on the dynamic saying,
“Go girl!!! They are loving her and these are top tier [sic] actors.”
Meanwhile, some humorously commented,
“Matt looks overwhelmed. Lol.”
Social media buzz continued to grow as admirers celebrated Taylor’s ascent, with one fan expressing pride in all caps:
SHINE! HARLEM! GIRL! SHINE!!!! From HARLEM to HOLLYWOOD!!!!!
Another excited follower confidently predicted Oscar success for Taylor, using a party emoji to amplify enthusiasm.
A Milestone Golden Globe Win Marks Taylor’s Rise
A week prior to the premiere, Teyana Taylor solidified her position as a leading actress with her first-ever Golden Globe win on January 11, 2026. She received the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her role in One Battle After Another.
In the Paul Thomas Anderson-directed drama, Taylor portrayed Perfidia Beverly Hills, standing out among a star-studded cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Regina Hall. The role was a notable pivot from her music career to serious acting, marking a turning point in her professional journey.
Her acceptance speech moved many in attendance. After opening with a playful twirl showcasing the back of her gown, Taylor reflected emotionally, admitting,
“I almost didn’t even write a speech because I didn’t think I would get this,”
before thanking Golden Globe voters and expressing heartfelt appreciation for her family, creative team, and director.
Taylor closed with a powerful message directed toward young Black girls and women, declaring,
“Our softness is not a liability. Our death is not that it’s not too much. Our light does not need permission to shine. We belong in every room we walk into. Our voices matter, and our dreams deserve space.”
The award highlighted Taylor’s versatility and established her as a key figure in the awards season conversation. As she moves forward, she carries not only critical acclaim but also growing public and industry recognition.
Behind the Scenes of Taylor’s Role in The Rip
In The Rip, Taylor stars as Detective Numa Baptiste on a task force investigating a massive cash discovery. The film, a Netflix action-thriller, also features Matt Damon as Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Ben Affleck as Sergeant JD Byrne, two Miami police officers dealing with personal loss while unraveling the mystery surrounding $24 million in cash.
Taylor’s character works closely with Detective Mike Ro, played by Steven Yeun, as the investigation deepens. The plot blends intense cop drama with emotional stakes, creating a gripping narrative that expands the genre with a fresh perspective.
Director Joe Carnahan revealed the story’s origin lies in a real-life raid connected to his friend Chris Casiano. He described the case as “so cinematic” and said he enjoys cop movies intensely, motivating him to bring this story to the screen. Carnahan said,
“I just thought there was such a cinematic [element to it] … there was so much about it that appealed to me. And I love cop movies and the cop genre. I thought, ‘OK, let’s give this one a ride.’”
Carnahan’s enthusiasm extended to Taylor’s casting, which was sealed after a candid lunch conversation where she openly discussed personal experiences such as parenting and divorce. He said her emotional openness made a strong impression, helping him see her as the right fit for the role.
He shared,
“And I just fell in love with her. … She’s one of those people you look at and go, ‘Oh, that’s a movie star.’ Whatever the base ingredients are for the cake that bakes into a movie star, she’s got it all. And the success she’s had, I’m so happy for her, and she deserves all of it.”
Taylor’s Bold Fashion Statement at The Rip Premiere Draws Mixed Reactions
Teyana Taylor made headlines on the red carpet at Lincoln Center for The Rip premiere with an avant-garde and daring look that divided opinion. She posed in a sheer, form-fitting black outfit draped diagonally across her body, paired with a matching black face covering concealing her nose and mouth. Only her sharply defined eyes were visible, enhanced by dramatic makeup, a sculpted short hairstyle, and multiple stacked rings.
The fashion choice sparked swift and polarized responses online. A fan praised her makeup specifically, writing,
“The cat eyes are saying everything 💯🔥.”
Others interpreted the look as a statement, with one commenter quipping,
“This look like one of them break up revenge looks [sic] 😂.”
Conversely, some found the face covering controversial amid current social contexts. One Instagram user criticized it as tone-deaf, stating,
“Teyanna must not be watching the news because that outfit is tone deaf. There are hundreds of ICE officers dragging people out of homes and cars all over Minneapolis who have face masks just like her. Not a good look.”
Another critic said,
“Love handles and a Covid mask in a dress. Great.”
Supporters quickly defended Taylor, with one enthusiast asserting,
“Tbh. She is today’s fashion icon and it girl. No one is seeing her right now.”
Another simply offered,
“Tey always best dressed [sic] 😍.”
On Facebook, reactions were equally varied, ranging from comparisons of her face covering to a ski mask to more supportive, measured takes like
“Very Futuristic. This is showing her ‘really creative’ side. Catwalks would walk this so… Idk, I like seeing her in her style of fashion forward. This is too forward, lol!”
Buzz Continues as Taylor’s Personal Life and Career Flourish
The fashion moment came amid increasing public interest in Taylor’s personal life, especially rumors of a potential romance with former NFL star Chad Ochocinco Johnson after a widely shared social media post fueled speculation.
While the face-covering ensemble sparked debate, Taylor’s ability to command attention remained clear. As with her previous red carpet appearances and award ceremonies, she transformed every public outing into a talking point, shifting the cultural conversation and drawing focus not just to the projects she supports, but to her own evolving star persona.
The combination of her professional achievements and bold public presence demonstrates Taylor’s determination to forge her own path, balancing creative expression with growing industry success. This signal of her rising status in Hollywood ensures ongoing interest in both her career trajectory and upcoming projects like The Rip.
