Teyana Taylor and Jacob Elordi Spark Romance Rumours with Intimate Oscars Luncheon Hug
The 98th Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills became the centre of intense fan speculation on Tuesday, as Teyana Taylor and Jacob Elordi shared a moment of undeniable chemistry that quickly went viral. A clip from the red carpet event captured the pair visibly thrilled to reconnect, beaming from ear to ear before engaging in an unusually long embrace that lasted more than ten seconds.
A Hug That Set Social Media Alight
The intimate interaction saw Taylor and Elordi whispering and laughing into each other's ears during the prolonged hug. Even after pulling apart, the warmth between them did not fade. They continued to chat closely, frequently touching arms and cracking up together in a display of easy rapport. Taylor, who is reportedly single following her split from British actor Aaron Pierre earlier in 2025, appeared especially at ease alongside Elordi.
Fans were quick to weigh in on social media, with many cheering what they perceived as a genuine and heartwarming friendship. However, a significant portion of observers teased that something more romantic could be brewing between the two nominated actors. One fan wrote emphatically, 'That’s not just a hug, they need to get a room.' Another commented on the duration of the embrace, asking, 'Is it just me or that's a long azz hug?' while a hopeful supporter added, 'And now kiss!!'
Comparisons to Elordi's On-Screen Chemistry
The palpable connection between Taylor and Elordi led many fans to draw comparisons with his recent professional appearances. Several insisted the rapport looked stronger and more natural than what Elordi has displayed with his Wuthering Heights co-star Margot Robbie during their press tour for the film. One observer noted, 'More chemistry than with Margot Robbie,' a sentiment that was quickly echoed by others.
'Came here to say the same,' agreed another fan. A third added a more detailed analysis, writing, 'This is adorable. He seems so tense with Margot and is just melting with Teyana!' The contrast was stark enough for one commenter to remark, 'Jacob looked dead inside for the entirety of the Wuthering Heights campaign and then as soon as he does something for the Oscars campaign he is so excited.'
Awards Season Crossings and Personal Lives
Taylor and Elordi have been bumping into each other frequently throughout this awards season, with both actors receiving nominations for standout performances. Taylor is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the drama One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. On the personal front, she remains focused on her family and career following her 2024 divorce from ex-husband Iman Shumpert and her more recent split from Aaron Pierre.
Elordi, meanwhile, is up for Best Supporting Actor for his turn as The Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. He has had a jam-packed start to 2026, starring as Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights alongside Margot Robbie and preparing for the sci-fi film The Dog Stars. Off-screen, his on-again, off-again romance with influencer Olivia Jade has been equally headline-worthy, reportedly hitting a rough patch last year before recent sightings together amid the awards season buzz.
Despite the playful sparks and fan theories ignited at the luncheon, Elordi has confirmed he will be attending the 98th Academy Awards on March 15th at the Dolby Theatre with his mother, meaning he will not be walking the red carpet alongside Teyana Taylor. The moment, however, has cemented itself as one of the most talked-about interactions of the awards season build-up.
