FULL LIST: Cardi B, Teyana Taylor, Kendrick Lamar Shine at 2026 BET Awards
The 2026 BET Awards delivered another memorable celebration of Black excellence, with music, film and sports stars honoured for their outstanding achievements over the past year. Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the ceremony featured electrifying performances, emotional speeches and several history-making moments.
Actress and singer Teyana Taylor emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night. She received multiple honours, including Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award, and the prestigious Icon of the Year award, recognising her impact across music, film and fashion.
Hip-hop superstar Cardi B, who entered the ceremony as the most nominated artist with six nods, claimed the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist award. Kendrick Lamar was named Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, while his collaboration with Clipse, “Chains & Whips,” also earned Best Collaboration, further cementing his dominance in rap.
Other notable winners included Kehlani, who won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for Folded. Leon Thomas secured Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, while Clipse won Best Group and Album of the Year with Let God Sort Em Out. Rising British singer Olivia Dean was recognised as Best New Artist after an impressive breakthrough year.
The ceremony also paid tribute to legendary figures in entertainment. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, while veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone was honoured with the Ultimate Icon Award for her decades-long contribution to the music industry. Overall, the 2026 BET Awards once again celebrated creativity, cultural influence and excellence, highlighting both established stars and emerging talents shaping the future of entertainment.
