Teyana Taylor, an accomplished actress and mother, is making headlines as she competes for the Best Supporting Actress award at the upcoming 2026 Oscars. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the TIME Women of the Year Gala held in West Hollywood on March 10, Taylor spoke candidly about the delicate balance she maintains between her career and motherhood.
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The 35-year-old actress, who is known for her role in “One Battle After Another,” likened her parenting journey to that of the beloved fictional character, Hannah Montana. “I think because when I am home and when we are together, I’m in such mommy mode that … it’s almost like Hannah Montana,” she reflected, noting the shift between her public persona and private life. Taylor shares her two daughters, Iman “Junie” Tayla Shumpert Jr., aged 10, and Rue Rose Shumpert, aged 5, with her ex-husband, Iman Shumpert.
Taylor articulated the duality of her existence, saying, “They understand it. I live two different lives where it’s like, ‘Okay, here’s carpet mommy. But then here is mommy, when she’s home, we’re going to the trampoline park, we’re cooking, we’re playing, we’re drawing.’ So they understand balance.” This division enables her daughters to appreciate both the glamour of their mother’s career and the warmth of their family life.
In her comments, Taylor praised her elder daughter Junie for her thoughtful nature. She described her as a selfless “little celebrity” and a natural leader, highlighting her ability to balance both the excitement of public appearances and the normalcy of family activities. “She don’t walk in saying, ‘My mum needs this,’ or ‘I’m this.’ I love that balance,” Taylor said fondly. The actress expressed pride in witnessing her daughters’ growing capabilities in navigating both worlds.
The relationship Taylor has with her daughters is clearly one marked by affection and support. On March 1, Rue accompanied her mother to the 2026 Actor Awards, where their endearing interactions captured the attention of onlookers. Rue was seen adjusting the train of Taylor’s elegant Thom Browne gown on the red carpet, showcasing their close bond. In a heartwarming display, Rue also struck poses for the cameras in her stylish outfit, comprising a blue-and-white striped sweater paired with a knee-length pink skirt.
As she prepares for the prestigious Academy Awards, Taylor’s nomination for her role as Perfidia Beverly Hills demonstrates her escalating success in the industry. In January, she garnered the Best Supporting Actress award at the Golden Globes, marking a significant milestone in her career. However, amidst the excitement, she maintains a grounded perspective. “I’m not thinking about my [Oscars] speech. I’m pacing myself. I don’t want to jinx anything,” she remarked, emphasising the importance of enjoyment during this pivotal moment.
The actress further explained the significance of the experience itself, regardless of the final outcome. “Win or lose, to have this moment that I’m having right now feels amazing. I feel like I already won spiritually… Mentally, emotionally,” she stated, expressing gratitude for being acknowledged alongside other inspiring women in the industry.
Looking ahead, Taylor is focused not just on the immediate recognition but also on the work yet to come. She affirmed her commitment to continue evolving as both an artist and a mother. “I got so much more work to do,” she acknowledged, reinforcing her ambition and dedication.
With the 98th annual Academy Awards set to take place on March 15, anticipation is building. The ceremony will be streamed live on Hulu and broadcast on ABC, promising to capture the attention of viewers worldwide. Taylor’s journey continues to inspire many as she gracefully manages her dual roles while remaining dedicated to her craft and family life.