Teyana Taylor praises Jesus at the Golden Globes

Teyana Taylor has had considerable success in recent years as an actress. From her acceptance speech at ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood last year to her latest speech at the Golden Globe Awards, where she won Best Supporting Female Actor for One Battle After Another, the 35-year-old is certainly being recognised for her rising acting talent.

However, although she may have been making headlines recently for her acting, she is far from new to the spotlight. A multi-talented creative, Teyana choreographed Beyoncé’s 2006 Ring the Alarm music video at just 15 years old.

In her Golden Globe acceptance speech, Taylor began by thanking Jesus

In her Golden Globe acceptance speech, Taylor began by thanking Jesus: “First, Father God, in the name of Jesus, I thank you and I praise you for every part of this faith walk. Every lesson, every test and every blessing.”

She then went on to thank the Golden Globe members and those she worked with on the film. However, there was a moment toward the end of the speech that has gained significant traction on social media—and I can see why.

The Golden Globes is not first time Teyana, mother of two, has spoken openly about her faith. At the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood event, Taylor won the Fierce and Fearless Award and delivered a prayer-like speech addressed to God, stating that his favour cannot be “stopped or destroyed.” She also quoted scripture, including John 12:46, where Jesus declares that he is the light of the world.

Taylor has previously been vocal about her struggles with feeling under-appreciated in the music industry, which led her to quit in 2020 before making a comeback last year. She also went through a public divorce in 2024 from former NBA player and singer Iman Shumpert. Despite these trials, it appears that acting has welcomed her with open arms, following the critical acclaim of her 2023 film A Thousand and One.

Towards the end of her Golden Globes speach, Taylor said: “To my brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight: our softness is not a liability, our depth is 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.”

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As a Black Christian female writer, this sentiment deeply resonates with me. Throughout my freelance work, I strive to platform minority voices like mine and others that do not always receive the attention they deserve in mainstream media. Creatives like Teyana Taylor using their platforms to spotlight these messages are further evidence of why representation matters, it can inspire other women and girls to continue reaching for their dreams while seeking God in the process.

In journalism, the industry has taken a particular hit, with independent platforms dedicated to amplifying minority voices closing down. This leaves fewer opportunities and increases the danger of a “single story,” as author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie would put it. This is why I am grateful for the remaining publications, such as Woman Alive, that are open to publishing stories on taboo topics and committed to platforming minority voices.

Teyana’s journey is a reminder that, particularly as minority creatives, there may be seasons when we feel unseen. Yet when God says yes, nobody can say no. What is meant for you is for you. We are called to trust in God’s sovereign plan and perfect timing for the opportunities he has prepared.