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.

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”.

Taylor Simone Ledward accepted her late husband Chadwick Boseman’s Golden Globe Award for ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. Ledward added: “[He’d say] something that would amplify that little voice inside of all of us that tells 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.”

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.