The 2026 BET Awards delivered an unforgettable night of recognition for Black artistry, creativity, and achievement. Held on June 28 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the ceremony honored the biggest names in music, entertainment, sports, and beyond. Comedian Druski made history as the youngest host ever, bringing his signature humor and energy to “Culture’s Biggest Night.”

Teyana Taylor emerged as one of the evening’s standout winners, capturing multiple honors including the Icon of the Year Award. Clipse also shone brightly, securing several top prizes that highlighted their impactful return. While Cardi B entered with the most nominations, the night belonged to a range of artists who represented the depth and diversity of Black talent.

The awards continued BET’s long tradition of spotlighting contributions across genres and disciplines. From powerful performances to emotional tributes, the show reflected the vibrancy of Black culture in 2026. Lauryn Hill received the Living Legend Icon Award, adding a layer of historic reverence to the proceedings.

Fashion and Cultural Impact Take Center Stage

Teyana Taylor’s win in the Fashion Vanguard Award category underscored her influence beyond music and acting. Nominees included global icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Zendaya, A$AP Rocky, and Bad Bunny. Her visionary style and boundary-pushing approach to fashion resonated deeply with audiences and industry peers alike.

Druski claimed the new Pulse Award, recognizing his role as a dynamic voice in entertainment and social media. The category celebrated podcasts, shows, and personalities shaping modern conversations, with nominees like Charlamagne Tha God, Don Lemon, and Keke Palmer’s project highlighting the broad spectrum of cultural impact.

R&B and Pop Excellence Shines Through

In the competitive Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category, Kehlani took home the win. The field featured strong contenders including Ari Lennox, Coco Jones, Ella Mai, Jill Scott, Mariah the Scientist, Olivia Dean, SZA, and Tems. Kehlani’s consistent artistry and emotional depth earned widespread acclaim.

Leon Thomas earned Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, besting a talented lineup that included Brent Faiyaz, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Durand Bernarr, GIVĒON, October London, and Usher. His work stood out for its soulful innovation and vocal prowess.

Clipse claimed Best Group, defeating acts like De La Soul, FLO, and others. Their chemistry and enduring relevance in hip-hop proved powerful.

Hip-Hop Honors and Collaborative Triumphs

Kendrick Lamar won Best Male Hip Hop Artist, further cementing his status as a generational talent. The category included A$AP Rocky, Baby Keem, Drake, J. Cole, and more. Cardi B secured Best Female Hip Hop Artist, adding to her impressive track record despite entering with six nominations and taking home one competitive win.

The Best Collaboration award went to “Chains & Whips” by Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar. This track exemplified the creative synergy possible when top artists unite, outperforming other strong entries like Cardi B’s remix and works by Summer Walker, Baby Keem, and Metro Boomin.

Visual Storytelling and New Talent Recognized

Kehlani’s “Folded” earned Video of the Year, showcasing exceptional storytelling and production values. Teyana Taylor won Video Director of the Year for her work on “Escape Room (Short Film),” demonstrating her multifaceted talents behind the camera.

Olivia Dean took Best New Artist, signaling a bright future for emerging voices. The category featured promising talents like Monaleo, RAYE, and others, reflecting the constant evolution of Black music.

Clipse’s album Let God Sort Em Out won Album of the Year. The project stood out amid strong releases from Cardi B, Tyler, the Creator, J. Cole, Bruno Mars, and Mariah the Scientist.

Gospel, Acting, and Sports Achievements Celebrated

In the gospel category, Lecrae, Killer Mike, and T.I. won for “Headphones.” The Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award highlighted faith-based music’s enduring role in the culture.

Teyana Taylor won Best Actress, joining a prestigious list of nominees including Angela Bassett, Quinta Brunson, and Regina Hall. Michael B. Jordan claimed Best Actor, with contenders like Denzel Washington, Colman Domingo, and Sterling K. Brown.

The film Sinners won Best Movie. YoungStars Award went to Jazzy's World TV, recognizing rising young talent.

In sports, A’ja Wilson earned Sportswoman of the Year for her basketball excellence. Jalen Brunson took Sportsman of the Year, celebrating athletic achievements that inspire communities nationwide.

BET Her Award and Viewers’ Choice

Doechii featuring SZA won the BET Her Award for “girl, get up.” This category emphasized women’s empowerment and impact.

Mariah the Scientist’s “Burning Blue” captured the Viewers’ Choice Award after fan voting, demonstrating strong audience connection.

Performances, Tributes, and Memorable Moments

The night featured high-energy performances from Cardi B, who delivered a medley from her album Am I the Drama? with motorcycles and dynamic choreography. Other artists like Kehlani, T.I., and Tems brought unforgettable sets.

Tributes honored legends, including a special recognition for Lauryn Hill. Emotional moments and comedic skits from host Druski kept the energy high throughout the broadcast.

The 2026 BET Awards reinforced the platform’s importance in amplifying Black voices. By honoring veterans and newcomers alike, the show captured the full spectrum of cultural contributions. Artists like Teyana Taylor and Clipse exemplified excellence across multiple fields, inspiring future generations.

As Black music, film, and sports continue to shape global culture, events like the BET Awards provide essential celebration and reflection. The night reminded viewers of the power of creativity, resilience, and community in driving meaningful progress.

From red carpet fashion statements to heartfelt acceptance speeches, the 2026 ceremony offered something for every fan. It highlighted ongoing innovation while paying respect to foundational figures. The event’s success underscores BET’s commitment to authentic storytelling and recognition of Black excellence year after year.

In the end, the 2026 BET Awards stood as a powerful testament to the richness of Black artistry. Winners and nominees alike contributed to a memorable evening that will resonate long after the final applause. The show not only entertained but also affirmed the vital role of these creators in American and global culture.

BET Awards 2026: Complete winners list

The Fashion Vanguard Award

• A$AP Rocky
• Bad Bunny
• Beyoncé
• Cardi B
• Colman Domingo
• Doechii
• Rihanna
• Teyana Taylor — WINNER
• Zendaya

The Pulse Award

• 85 South Show
• Baby, This Is Keke Palmer
• Charlamagne Tha God
• Don Lemon
• Druski — WINNER
• It Is What It Is
• Joe and Jada
• On the Radar
• R&B Money Podcast

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

• Ari Lennox
• Coco Jones
• Ella Mai
• Jill Scott
• Kehlani — WINNER
• Mariah the Scientist
• Olivia Dean
• SZA
• Tems

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

• Brent Faiyaz
• Bruno Mars
• Bryson Tiller
• Chris Brown
• Durand Bernarr
• GIVĒON
• Leon Thomas — WINNER
• October London
• Usher

Best Group

• 41
• Clipse — WINNER
• De La Soul
• FLO
• French Montana & Max B
• Metro Boomin & DJ Spinz
• Nas & DJ Premier
• Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon
• Wizkid & Asake

Best Collaboration

• "Chains & Whips" — Clipse & Kendrick Lamar — WINNER
• "Errtime Remix" — Cardi B feat. Jeezy & Latto
• "Go Girl" — Summer Walker feat. Latto & Doja Cat
• "Good Flirts" — Baby Keem feat. Kendrick Lamar & Momo Boyd
• "Is It a Crime" — Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis
• "It Depends (The Remix)" — Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher
• "Take Me Thru Dere" — Metro Boomin feat. Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece & DJ Spinz
• "wgft" — Gunna feat. Burna Boy

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

• A$AP Rocky
• Baby Keem
• BigXthaPlug
• DaBaby
• Don Toliver
• Drake
• J. Cole
• Kendrick Lamar — WINNER
• T.I.

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

• Cardi B — WINNER
• Coi Leray
• Doechii
• Doja Cat
• GloRilla
• Latto
• Megan Thee Stallion
• Monaleo
• YK Niece

Video of the Year

• "100" — Ella Mai
• "Anxiety" — Doechii
• "Burning Blue" — Mariah the Scientist
• "Chanel" — Tyla
• "Escape Room (Short Film)" — Teyana Taylor
• "Folded" — Kehlani — WINNER
• "LET ‘EM KNOW" — T.I.
• "luther" — Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Video Director of the Year

• A$AP Rocky & Dan Streit
• Anderson .Paak
• Benny Boom
• Cactus Jack
• Cardi B & Patience Foster
• Cole Bennett
• Director X
• Hype Williams
• Teyana "Spike-Tey" Taylor — WINNER

Best New Artist

• Belly Gang Kushington
• DESTIN CONRAD
• JayDon
• kwn
• Miles Minnick
• Monaleo
• Olivia Dean — WINNER
• RAYE
• Trap Dickey

Album of the Year

• AM I THE DRAMA? — Cardi B
• DON’T TAP THE GLASS — Tyler, the Creator
• everything is a lot. — Wale
• HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY — Mariah the Scientist
• Let God Sort Em Out — Clipse — WINNER
• MUTT Deluxe: HEEL — Leon Thomas
• The Fall-Off — J. Cole
• The Romantic — Bruno Mars
• Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
• "Able" — Kirk Franklin
• "ABLE (REMIX)" — Darrel Walls, PJ Morton & Kim Burrell
• "All to Thee" — BeBe Winans
• "Already Good (Tasha Slide)" — Tasha Cobbs Leonard
• "At the Cross" — CeCe Winans
• "Church" — Tasha Cobbs Leonard & John Legend
• "Do It Again" — Kirk Franklin
• "Headphones" — Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I. — WINNER

Best Actress

• Angela Bassett
• Ayo Edebiri
• Chase Infiniti
• Coco Jones
• Cynthia Erivo
• Keke Palmer
• Quinta Brunson
• Regina Hall
• Teyana Taylor — WINNER

Best Actor

• Aaron Pierre
• Aldis Hodge
• Anthony Mackie
• Colman Domingo
• Damson Idris
• Delroy Lindo
• Denzel Washington
• Michael B. Jordan — WINNER
• Sterling K. Brown

YoungStars Award

• Daria Johns
• Graceyn "Gracie" Hollingsworth
• Heiress Harris
• Jazzy's World TV — WINNER
• Lela Hoffmeister
• North West
• Thaddeus J. Mixson
• VanVan

Best Movie

• Highest 2 Lowest
• Him
• Number One on the Call Sheet
• One Battle After Another
• Relationship Goals
• Ruth & Boaz
• Sinners — WINNER
• Wicked: For Good

Sportswoman of the Year Award

• A'ja Wilson — Basketball — WINNER
• Angel Reese — Basketball
• Claressa Shields — Boxing
• Coco Gauff — Tennis
• Flau'jae Johnson — Basketball
• Gabby Thomas — Track & Field
• Jordan Chiles — Gymnastics
• Naomi Osaka — Tennis
• Sha'Carri Richardson — Track & Field

Sportsman of the Year Award

• Aaron Judge — Baseball
• Anthony Edwards — Basketball
• Caleb Williams — Football
• Jalen Brunson — Basketball — WINNER
• Jalen Hurts — Football
• LeBron James — Basketball
• Shedeur Sanders — Football
• Stephen Curry — Basketball

BET Her

• "Already Good (Tasha Slide)" — Tasha Cobbs Leonard
• "Be Great" — Jill Scott feat. Trombone Shorty
• "Beautiful People" — Jill Scott
• "First" — Tems
• "girl, get up." — Doechii feat. SZA — WINNER
• "Go Girl" — Summer Walker feat. Latto & Doja Cat
• "Gorgeous" — Doja Cat
• "Lady Lady" — Olivia Dean

Viewers’ Choice

• "Burning Blue" — Mariah the Scientist
• “Chains & Whips” — Clipse feat. Kendrick Lamar
• “Chanel” — Tyla
• “Folded” — Kehlani
• “I Just Might” — Bruno Mars
• “It Depends” — Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller
• “Man I Need” — Olivia Dean
• “Outside” — Cardi B
• “Raindance” — Dave & Tems
• “Take Me Thru Dere” — Metro Boomin feat. Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece & DJ Spinz