Teyana Taylor Addresses Oscars Security Incident, Academy Responds

Teyana Taylor experienced an unexpected encounter at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, involving a security guard she alleges “shoved” her. The incident occurred as Taylor and Warner Bros. Co-chair Pamela Abdy attempted to navigate a crowded area backstage following the Best Picture win for One Battle After Another.

Confrontation with Security

Video footage circulating on social media shows Taylor addressing a security guard, stating, “You’re a man putting your hands on a female,” and adding, “You’re very rude.” She further explained to onlookers that the guard “literally shoved me” and “damn near shoved” another woman. Taylor emphasized, “Do not touch me, do not shove me.”

Taylor’s Response and the Academy’s Statement

Following the event, Taylor spoke to TMZ, downplaying the incident and stating she was “all decent.” She acknowledged that security personnel were managing a crowded space, noting, “There’s always that one,” but emphasized her intolerance for disrespect, particularly when “unwarranted and unprovoked.”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a statement expressing their concern, stating they were “extremely upset to learn about the experience endured by Teyana Taylor at the end of the Oscars ceremony last night.” The Academy highlighted their positive working relationship with Taylor throughout awards season, describing her as “remarkable, supportive, kind, and all about community.”

Acknowledging that security is handled by an outside firm, Security Industry Specialists, Inc. (SIS), the Academy affirmed that the experience of every guest is their responsibility. They stated they have made it clear to SIS that such behavior is unacceptable and are “taking the appropriate measures to ensure this does not happen again.”

Other Viral Moments from the Evening

Taylor also garnered attention during the ceremony for other moments. She playfully put One Battle After Another director Paul Thomas Anderson into a headlock after the film’s Best Picture win. She delivered a standing ovation for Amy Madigan, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Weapons, setting a record for the longest gap between nominations and a win (40 years and one month) since her first nomination in 1985 for Twice in a Lifetime.

One Battle After Another’s Success

One Battle After Another was the night’s biggest winner, taking home six Oscars from its 13 nominations, including awards for Best Director (Paul Thomas Anderson) and Best Supporting Actor (Sean Penn).

Spot the Oscars red carpet 2026 arrivals and full list of the night’s winners here.