The 2026 BET Awards celebrated another unforgettable night of Black excellence, honoring the biggest names in music, film, television and sports. Hosted by comedian Druski at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the ceremony featured major performances, emotional acceptance speeches and several surprise victories.
Teyana Taylor emerged as the biggest winner of the night, taking home four awards, including the prestigious Icon of the Year honor presented by Janet Jackson. Taylor also won Best Actress, Video Director of the Year for her visual project Escape Room, and the Fashion Vanguard Award, cementing one of the most successful nights of her career.
Cardi B entered the ceremony with a leading six nominations and won Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, while Clipse earned Album of the Year for Let God Sort Em Out and Best Group. Kehlani claimed Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and Leon Thomas repeated as Best Male R&B/Pop Artist for the second consecutive year.
Among the night’s other notable winners, Doechii and SZA shared the BET Her Award, recognizing music that uplifts and empowers Black women. New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson was named Sportsman of the Year following his championship-winning NBA season, while WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson received Sportswoman of the Year honors.
Special honors also highlighted the evening. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award in recognition of her lasting influence on music and culture, while music executive Sylvia Rhone accepted the Ultimate Icon Award for her decades-long impact on the recording industry.
Major Winners
- Icon of the Year: Teyana Taylor
- Living Legend Icon Award: Lauryn Hill
- Ultimate Icon Award: Sylvia Rhone
- Album of the Year: Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
- Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Cardi B
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Kehlani
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Leon Thomas
- Best Group: Clipse
- BET Her Award: Doechii & SZA
- Best Actress: Teyana Taylor
- Video Director of the Year: Teyana Taylor
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Brunson
- Sportswoman of the Year: A’ja Wilson
With standout performances, career-defining wins and tributes to legendary figures, the 2026 BET Awards once again showcased the best in Black entertainment and culture while celebrating both rising stars and industry icons.
