Golden Globes Results 2021: Chadwick Boseman's wife delivers emotional acceptance speech after win

Watch: Chadwick Boseman's wife accepts Best Actor prize

Chadwick Boseman's wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, gave an emotional acceptance speech after her late husband won a posthumous Golden Globe award for his work in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

The Black Panther star passed away after a battle with colon cancer last year, aged just 43, with his final movie released several months after his death.

Read more: Ledward accepts Gotham Award on Boseman's behalf

In George C. Wolfe's adaptation of the August Wilson play, Boseman portrays the arrogant trumpeter Levee and has received wide acclaim for his energetic, pained performance.

"He would say something beautiful, something inspiring," said Simone tearfully, as Boseman was honoured with the award for Best Actor (Drama) at the virtual ceremony.

She thanked Wolfe, producer Denzel Washington and the cast on Boseman's behalf, adding that the star would also thank God, his parents and "his ancestors for their guidance and their sacrifices".

Ledward added: "[He'd say] something that would amplify that little voice inside of 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 in history."

"I don't have his words, but we have to take all the moments to celebrate those we love. So thank you HFPA for this opportunity to do exactly that."

Read more: Viola Davis admits breaking down when she heard Boseman had died

Boseman and Ledward began dating in 2015 and were married in secret shortly before the actor's death.

The star was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016, but never discussed his illness in public as he took on the role of T'Challa, aka Black Panther, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Boseman is widely tipped to be awarded posthumously at the Oscars for his incredible performance in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and he could also compete in the Best Supporting Actor category for Spike Lee drama Da 5 Bloods.

The star's death triggered a huge outpouring of grief and affection in Hollywood, with even many of his closest collaborators unaware that he was ill.

Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige has since confirmed that the role of T'Challa will not be recast in the upcoming Black Panther 2 and Boseman had already recorded his performance in MCU animated series What If.

Read more: Feige discusses making Black Panther 2 without Boseman

Elsewhere at the Golden Globes, Boseman's Ma Rainey co-star Viola Davis was pipped to the award for Best Actress (Drama), which was won by Andra Day for The United States vs. Billie Holiday.

Nomadland was the big winner on the night, winning two awards including Best Picture (Drama) and Best Director, with both Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and Soul also scooping two gongs.

Watch: Trailer for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom