Teyana Taylor has shared the remarkably unconventional circumstances surrounding how she discovered her first Academy Award nomination, revealing the news arrived during a Saturday Night Live bald cap fitting session.
A Surreal Moment of Recognition
The multi-talented performer, aged 35, disclosed this unexpected revelation during her opening monologue as host of the iconic comedy show on January 25th. "This week has been very insane," Taylor told the enthusiastic studio audience, before confirming her Oscar nomination for the critically acclaimed film 'One Battle After Another'.
"I was nominated for an Oscar for One Battle After Another. It is a dream come true," she declared as the crowd erupted into applause and cheers. The first-time SNL host then delivered a memorable punchline about the unusual setting of her discovery: "I found out the way every little girl wants to find out — getting fitted for a bald cap next to Mikey Day."
Comedic Showcase on SNL
Taylor fully embraced the comedic opportunity during the episode, later appearing in a sketch wearing both the bald cap and a prosthetic belly. In this memorable segment, she demonstrated impressive dance skills while portraying an octogenarian grandfather cutting loose on a wedding dance floor, with SNL cast member Mikey Day appearing as the DJ.
The episode featured additional highlights including a cold opening that humorously addressed Donald Trump's well-documented obsession with winning awards, alongside the return of Mike Myers impersonating tech billionaire Elon Musk. Musical guests Geese, a Brooklyn-based rock band, made their Saturday Night Live debut during the broadcast.
Versatility on Display
Beyond her comedic talents, Taylor showcased her diverse skills throughout the episode. The Grammy-nominated artist performed a musical duet with veteran cast member Kenan Thompson in an airport-themed sketch, where they creatively informed passengers about flight delays through song.
During her opening monologue, Taylor humorously referenced her wide-ranging career achievements, including her season seven victory on The Masked Singer, her teenage appearance on MTV's My Super Sweet 16, and her current culinary school endeavors. The mother of two cleverly compared herself to a Glade plug-in air freshener, quipping: "Why only plug me into the bathroom when I can make the whole building smell good?"
Awards Season Success
Taylor's Oscar nomination follows her recent Golden Globe victory for Best Supporting Actress, where she was recognized for her performance as revolutionary character Perfidia Beverly Hills in 'One Battle After Another'. In the film, she appears opposite Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of stoner dad character Bob Ferguson.
The critically praised film has become a favorite throughout the current awards season, having already secured four Golden Globe awards. Industry observers anticipate further success at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 15th.
Competitive Category
In the fiercely contested Best Supporting Actress category, Taylor faces formidable competition from Wunmi Mosaku for her role in 'Sinners', Amy Madigan for 'Weapons', and both Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for their performances in 'Sentimental Value'.
Following the announcement of her nomination, Taylor released a heartfelt statement reflecting on her journey: "I fell asleep last night watching Pretty Woman, thinking about happy endings and how impossible they sometimes feel ... and I woke up realizing I've been living in one that God has been preparing me for my own fairytale ending."
The entertainer's unique path to Oscar recognition—from background dancer to awards season contender—and her humorous revelation about the bald cap fitting moment have captured public imagination, highlighting both her professional achievements and down-to-earth personality.
