Chadwick Boseman’s widow gave a tearful speech on behalf of the actor after he won a posthumous Golden Globe award

Taylor Simone Ledward speaking during the 2021 Golden Globe awards. NBC

Chadwick Boseman won a posthumous Golden Globe award on Sunday night for his performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and his widow Taylor Simone Ledward gave an emotional speech on his behalf.

“He would thank God,” she began. “He would thank his parents, he would thank his ancestors for their guidance and their sacrifices. He would thank his incredible team.”

Boseman died last year when he was just 43 years old. The late actor had been diagnosed with colon cancer four years earlier, but the actor kept his illness a secret until his death. Boseman reportedly married Ledward in a private ceremony, just months before his death.

During the Golden Globes speech, Ledward went on to thank specific members of Boseman’s team and the “Ma Rainey” crew before channeling her late husband.

“He would say something beautiful,” she continued. “Something inspiring. Something that would amplify that little voice inside all of us that tells you you can. That tells you to keep going. That calls you back to what you are meant to be doing at this moment.”

Viola Davis was also nominated for a Golden Globe on Sunday night. NBC

During this part of Ledward’s speech, the Golden Globes feed cut to the live reactions of Viola Davis (Boseman’s costar in “Ma Rainey,” who played “Mother of the Blues” in the eponymous role) and Riz Ahmed. Both of his fellow nominees appeared to have tears in their eyes as Ledward spoke.

“I don’t have his words, but we have to take all the moments to celebrate those we love,” Ledward said. “So thank you HFPA for this opportunity to do exactly that. And honey, you keep ’em coming.”

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Ledward’s call to “keep ’em coming” might have been a nod towards the Oscar buzz for Boseman. He would be the seventh actor to receive a posthumous Academy Award nomination if he wins.

“Ma Rainey” was the last movie Boseman filmed before his death, and critics have said it was the actor’s best performance of his career. In the film, Boseman portrays a cocky and ambitious trumpeteer with dark demons.

You can watch Ledward’s full acceptance speech below, and see the full list of Golden Globes winners here.

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