Teyana Taylor shared her emotional response after Julia Roberts joked with her to “eat a sandwich” during the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony held on Sunday, January 11. The interaction took place on the red carpet, where the star of One Battle After Another met Roberts, a longtime idol, creating a viral moment that captured the event’s attention.
During their encounter, Roberts, 58, affectionately called Taylor “teeny tiny” and humorously told her,
You need to eat a sandwich,
as they embraced. Taylor, 35, later explained that she took the remark as a genuine compliment rather than an insult.
Teyana Taylor Reflects on Julia Roberts’ Playful Remark
Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, January 14, Taylor addressed the joke directly. She noted how some people criticized Roberts’ comment, but she firmly disagreed with that perspective. The actress said,
I’ve seen people trying to get on her about that,
and added,
I was like, ‘Hold on.’ She told me I needed a sandwich because she couldn’t find my waist. She was like, ‘Girl, you need a sandwich.’ It was so cute.
Taylor’s reaction showed her appreciation for the lighthearted nature of Roberts’ words, reinforcing the genuine admiration she felt in that moment.
An Emotional Encounter on the Red Carpet
Taylor recalled the surreal experience of meeting Roberts, describing how the veteran actress seemed to part the crowd for her like a biblical figure. She enthused,
It was so amazing. I just remember her parting the sea for me. She came through like Moses.
The moment felt almost magical to Taylor, who continued,
She was floating. It was so scary how perfectly she was floating,
and added,
I just dived into her arms. It was just the cutest moment and I started crying.
Earlier, Taylor had expressed to Entertainment Tonight how deeply meaningful the encounter was, saying,
It was too much happening tonight. She parted the sea for me,
and laughed remembering Roberts commanding the crowd,
She told everybody to move out the way. Oh, my God, it was scary. It looked so magical that when she came close to me, [I said,] ‘Don’t come another step, don’t come another step further. My eyes is getting watery.’
Taylor also reflected on the emotional impact of Roberts’ support, sharing,
I could not believe that I was meeting her. She’s literally one of my heroes and what she poured into me literally had me crying. … She poured so much life into me. She poured so much life into me and I needed that. Oh, my God, that was amazing.
Teyana Taylor’s Accolades and Public Gratitude
At the same event, Taylor won the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture and used her acceptance speech to express heartfelt thanks. Addressing the audience, she said,
My gratitude is endless. I love you, we love you, and thank you so much for holding space for me and our entire cast.
The following day, at the New York City premiere of her latest film, The Rip, Taylor elaborated on her feelings about gratitude and its significance in her life. She told Us Weekly,
I think it’s so important, because I think through everything and through blessings, these are things that we pray for,
adding,
When you get that, you should always be grateful and filled with gratitude. That’s what it feels like for me.
Clarifying Leonardo DiCaprio’s Viral Golden Globes Moment
During her appearance on The Tonight Show, Taylor also addressed rumors linking her to Leonardo DiCaprio’s viral Golden Globes exchange, which referenced the Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters. Taylor disclosed that while she had spoken with DiCaprio about the movie, the lively on-camera moment was not part of their conversation.
She humorously reflected,
So apparently he had two KPop Demon Hunters conversations that night, so KPop Demon Hunters was just in his mouth all night!
and added with a laugh,
I’m like, ‘Who else are you kiki’ing with like that?’ Because literally that’s how we kiki [by making hand gestures]. So I had a little friendly jealousy. I was like, ‘Who else are you chewing your invisible gum with?’
The Lasting Impact of This Encounter
Teyana Taylor’s heartfelt response to Julia Roberts’ Golden Globes joke highlights the genuine connection and inspiration stars can share during awards ceremonies. The moment not only showcased Taylor’s admiration for Roberts but also the warmth and humor that can lighten high-pressure events. As Taylor continues to receive recognition for her work, this encounter serves as a powerful reminder of how encouragement from legends can fuel emerging talent’s passion and confidence.
