Chadwick Boseman’s Wife Gives Moving Speech on His Behalf

Though chaotic by nature, the 78th Golden Globe Awards featured some sincerely touching moments. Minari director Lee Isaac Chung’s adorable daughter cheering on her dad’s victory; Jane Fonda celebrating the impacts of her nominated colleagues; Chloe Zhao’s delighted acceptance of two awards for her wonderful Nomadland. And among these was the incredibly moving speech delivered by Taylor Simone Ledward, wife of the late Chadwick Boseman. Ledward spoke on behalf of Boseman following his posthumous win for Actor in a Drama for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. If you happened to miss her emotional acceptance speech, you can watch here.

A very humble Ledward endeavored to capture of the spirit of the speech her husband may have given. In doing so, she created something altogether powerful; this both as a tribute to the beloved actor and as an expression of love, passion, and gratitude.

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Boseman’s legacy may foremost adhere to his work in Black Panther, as evidenced by another moment in the Globes ceremony. TikTok star La’Ron Hines interviewed a collection of young kids about issues Globe-related. While they seemed adorably clueless about the work of most celebrities mentioned, they all knew one name: Chadwick Boseman. Clearly, the actor and his Black Panther T’Challa have left their mark. (You can watch that one right here for a pick-me-up tribute to Boseman’s influence.)

But all that said, Boseman’s win for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is an important reminder of the actor’s colossal range. The film, which you can watch on Netflix, stars Boseman as a fictional 1920s jazz trumpeter Levee Green. The one-setting film showcases Boseman at his most joyful, most pained, and most chaotic.

We’ve all been in awe of Boseman for quite some time. And on Globes night, we felt that awe for Taylor Simone Ledward as well. Ledward claims she doesn’t have her husband’s capacity with words; but what she constructed was touching, inspiring, loving, and wonderful.