Chadwick Boseman’s Widow Just Gave a Gorgeous Speech at the Critics Choice Awards

First, it was the 2021 Golden Globes. And now, Taylor Simone Ledward is making us emotional (yet again) with her latest heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Chadwick Boseman.

Last night, Boseman posthumously won the award for Best Actor at the 26th annual Critics Choice Awards for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. In honor of the “W,” Ledward made a virtual appearance and fought back tears as she accepted the honor on his behalf.

“Wow. It has to be said aloud that for those of us who know Chad intimately, personally, professionally, those he taught, those he gave a word of advice, those who taught him—it is so hard to find a celebratory feeling in these moments,” Ledward said. “As proud as we are of him, yes for his work, but even more just for who he is as a person.”

She continued, “But his work deserves this. His work in this film deserves this. He deserves this, and so he would always thank God first and foremost in everything. He would always honor his mother and his father. He would always acknowledge those who came before him, those who charted the path, those who gave him their gifts.”

Ledward concluded her speech with a message of hope for the future, adding, “He may say something about the importance of this story. About the importance of Black voices telling Black stories. He may take this moment to give honor to August Wilson, one of the greatest playwrights of our time. And, as I recently read, societies grow great when all men plant trees in their shade. They know they may never sit, and our society may be a far cry from great, but I know that the seeds you planted will grow into forests. And one day we too will be tall enough to reach the heavens. Thank you, Critics Choice and thank you, Chad.”

We’re not crying, you’re crying.

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