Teyana Taylor, the actress known for her role in One Battle After Another, revealed that she and Julia Roberts connected immediately when they met at the 2026 Golden Globes. The meeting, which took place just weeks before Taylor accepted a Virtuosos Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 8, marked the beginning of what Taylor describes as an instant friendship. Known for her admiration of Roberts, Taylor described the moment as unforgettable, emphasizing how naturally their bond formed during the event.
Teyana’s Starstruck Moment with Julia Roberts
During the Golden Globes, Taylor confessed she was overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing Julia Roberts on the red carpet. Although cameras captured the event, their exchange happened off to the side, away from the usual glare of photo flashes. Taylor recounted how she backed up, eyes welling with tears, as Roberts approached, warning her not to come any closer. Eventually, Taylor embraced Roberts, leading to a moment of mutual connection that she describes as magical.
“Everybody knows that I love Julia Roberts,”
Taylor shared.
“I’m obsessed with her. And she was on the carpet at the same time I was on the carpet, but it was the part where it’s all the videos and stuff happening, so we wasn’t in front of cameras.”
She added,
“They brought her over and I looked, and I started backing up and my eyes was watering and she was coming closer. And I said, ‘Don’t come an inch closer.’ And she was coming closer, and then I just dived into her arms and it was just so amazing.”
Taylor concluded with, “We was like instant besties.”
Award Night Emotions and Growing Connections
When Taylor won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Perfidia in the Paul Thomas Anderson film, her excitement led her to embrace Roberts once again. The touching moment marked more than just an award celebration; it was the deepening of their new friendship. Taylor admitted she had tears during the encounter and recalled Roberts standing to applaud her win.
“She was standing up when I won and I just dived into her arms again, and it was just so amazing,”
Taylor said.
“So yeah, she’s my bestie in my head, even if she don’t know it.”
Aside from Roberts, Taylor also spoke about the close friendships she has built throughout the award season. She labeled actors Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac as her personal “award besties,” emphasizing the joy of their interactions during events. “Those are my boys,” Taylor said,
“I feel like every single time we run into each other at an event, we just always cutting up. And I love it, but I’ve made so many friends.”
Influential Mentors in Taylor’s Music and Career
Beyond acting, Taylor’s career in music has benefited from guidance by influential artists. She shared that Beyoncé has been a crucial advisor, encouraging her to stay grounded and not take things personally in the entertainment industry. Taylor described coming into the business with a full heart and learning to protect herself emotionally through the example set by Beyoncé.
“I definitely came in the business at a time where I went into everything with my heart, and I didn’t understand certain things, and I would go to her and she’s just like, ‘Don’t take it personal,’”
Taylor recalled.
“My mom would tell me the same thing.”
She further explained,
“That instilled in me if the Beyoncé is this way and she’s so grounded and she’s so this, this is the way I need to be. And [Beyoncé], being as humble as she is and as grounded as she is, definitely showed me everything that I needed to know…and I don’t take for granted.”
The Impact of New Friendships and Future Prospects
Teyana Taylor’s swift connection with Julia Roberts highlights how unexpected friendships can form among stars, even amidst the hectic pace of award seasons. Such relationships can bring emotional support and a sense of camaraderie within a competitive industry. Taylor’s admiration for Roberts and her sincere, joyful interactions reveal the importance of genuine connections in Hollywood.
Looking ahead, the warmth shared between Taylor and Roberts may lead to further collaborations or public appearances together, while Taylor’s growing circle of friends in the industry could continue to bolster her rising career. The support from celebrated figures like Beyoncé also underlines the value of mentorship and perseverance in creative fields. Taylor’s journey reflects a hopeful and energized path forward fueled by talent, friendship, and personal growth.
