Teyana Taylor made headlines when she chose to walk away from a successful music career to pursue acting — a decision many critics labeled risky and even “dumb.” Best known for songs like “Maybe” and her unforgettable appearance in Kanye West’s “Fade” music video, Taylor had already carved out a recognizable space in the music industry. Yet behind the scenes, she often felt unsupported and creatively unfulfilled.

In 2020, after years of navigating the highs and lows of the music business, Taylor made the difficult decision to step away from recording and touring. While fans were surprised and some industry insiders questioned her move, she remained unwavering in her belief that acting was her true calling. Rather than viewing the pivot as a gamble, Taylor saw it as an investment in her long-term artistic growth.

Her determination soon began to pay off. She secured roles in major productions, including Coming 2 America, where she appeared alongside an ensemble cast in the long-awaited sequel. She then delivered a critically acclaimed performance in A Thousand and One, a role that showcased her dramatic depth and emotional range. Taylor continued to build momentum with a part in White Men Can’t Jump, proving her versatility across genres.

However, it was her powerful portrayal of Perfidia Beverly Hills in One Battle After Another that catapulted her to new heights in 2025. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, the film became one of the year’s most celebrated releases. Taylor’s layered and magnetic performance earned widespread praise from critics and audiences alike — and ultimately secured her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Reflecting on her journey in an interview with Time magazine, Taylor addressed the skepticism she faced when leaving music behind. “Everybody told me it was dumb,” she said. “And I was like, ‘No, I am going to be a great actress. One day, I am going to be a great director.’” Her words underscore a confidence that has fueled her transition and silenced many of her early doubters.

Despite the pressure that often accompanies an Oscar nomination, Taylor appears remarkably grounded. She insists that simply being nominated is already a victory. “Even if I go home empty-handed, I have won,” she shared, emphasizing that recognition from the Academy signals she is considered among the best in her field.

The awards season has also brought unexpected friendships. Taylor has formed a close bond with fellow nominee Jacob Elordi, whom she affectionately calls her “awards-season bestie.” She describes their dynamic as lighthearted and joyful, a refreshing contrast to the often intense atmosphere of Hollywood’s biggest events.

“We’re young, we’re blessed, we’re being celebrated — this is the time to be happy and to have fun with it,” she explained. “Especially in a space that some people take so seriously, and some people are cold, some people are robotic. I know to the world, it looks spicy, but we’re literally just in our own little world. Half the time we’re talking about having the same haircut, going mullet for mullet.”

In the Best Supporting Actress category, Taylor faces strong competition. Fellow nominees include Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for Sentimental Value, Amy Madigan for Weapons, and Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners.

Meanwhile, One Battle After Another has emerged as a major awards contender overall, earning 12 additional Oscar nominations. These include Best Picture, Best Director for Anderson, and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. The film also features an impressive cast that includes Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Chase Infiniti, and Regina Hall.

For Taylor, the nomination represents more than just an accolade — it validates her leap of faith. What some once dismissed as a misguided career move has transformed into one of Hollywood’s most inspiring success stories. Whether she takes home the Oscar or not, Teyana Taylor has already proven that betting on yourself can lead to extraordinary results.

Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid continue to prove that their relationship is going strong. The couple were recently spotted enjoying a cozy date night in New York City, stepping out together for a screening and Q&A event for the film Frankenstein on February 25.

The pair were seen exiting the event hand-in-hand, looking relaxed and comfortable in each other’s company. Despite maintaining a relatively private romance, their public appearance quickly caught attention, with fans delighted to see them sharing another sweet moment together.

Hadid, 30, embraced a chic yet understated style for the evening. The supermodel wore tailored grey trousers paired with a long chocolate-brown coat that gave her outfit a polished finish. She accessorized with a brown-and-beige paisley scarf, grey suede boots, and a plaid clutch, creating a look that balanced elegance with effortless street style. Her ensemble reflected her signature ability to make even simple pieces appear runway-ready.

Cooper, meanwhile, opted for a more laid-back aesthetic. The actor and director wore black trousers with a beige shacket layered beneath a black puffer coat. He completed his outfit with a black baseball cap and matching boots, keeping his look practical and low-key. Together, the couple’s coordinated neutral tones made for a stylish yet relaxed appearance as they made their way out of the venue.

The screening they attended featured the Jacob Elordi-led adaptation of Frankenstein, adding a touch of cinematic flair to their night out. While neither Cooper nor Hadid publicly commented on the event, their affectionate demeanor spoke volumes.

Hadid and Cooper, who share a 20-year age gap, were first romantically linked in October 2023. From the beginning, the pair have chosen to keep their relationship largely out of the spotlight. They have been spotted together on several occasions — from quiet dinners to casual strolls — but have rarely addressed their romance directly in interviews.

That changed in May 2025, when Hadid made their relationship Instagram official. In a heartfelt birthday post celebrating her 30th birthday, she shared a photo of herself kissing Cooper, giving fans a rare glimpse into their private life. “I feel so lucky to be 30!” she wrote in the caption. “I feel so lucky for every high and low — for all the lessons and gifts both have brought me. To get to feel it all! I’m so lucky to be a mom, friend, partner, sister, daughter, and colleague to some of the most unbelievable humans!!”

The post was widely celebrated by fans, who had been following their low-key romance with curiosity and support. It marked a significant milestone in their relationship, signaling that the couple felt secure enough to share their happiness publicly.

Another notable moment came in December 2025, when the pair participated in a joint street interview for David Carmi’s Confidence Heist series. In the popular segment, Carmi approaches strangers and celebrities around New York City and asks them what makes them feel confident.

When Carmi posed the question to the couple, Hadid responded thoughtfully that “finding joy” is what makes her feel confident. Cooper offered a simple yet profound answer of his own, saying that “being alive” is what gives him the most confidence.

The interviewer then asked the two to share a piece of advice for anyone struggling with self-assurance. Hadid’s response was straightforward and relatable: “Take it day by day.” Her words echoed the grounded perspective she has often expressed in past interviews about balancing career, motherhood, and personal life.

As their recent outing shows, Hadid and Cooper appear comfortable blending their high-profile careers with a relationship that remains rooted in privacy and authenticity. Whether attending film screenings or sharing candid reflections on confidence, the couple continues to navigate their romance on their own terms — and, by all appearances, they’re doing just fine.