The 2026 BET Awards made history, delivered surprises and celebrated Black excellence across music, film and television on June 28 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by comedian Druski.
Teyana Taylor walked away as the night’s biggest winner, taking home four awards including Icon of the Year, Video Director of the Year, Best Actress and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award. Janet Jackson presented Taylor with the Icon of the Year honor, calling her “an unflinching perfectionist” whose devotion is woven into everything she touches. Taylor was visibly emotional receiving the award.
Lauryn Hill closed the show with a surprise performance of Ex-Factor and Everything Is Everything after being honored with the Living Legend Icon Award, presented by Ice Cube. The tribute brought out Doechii, SZA, Doja Cat, Nas, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common, Rapsody, Tems, Tierra Whack, Alexia Jayy, the War and Treaty, and Hill’s own children, Selah, Zion Marley and YG Marley. Music executive and Epic Records CEO Sylvia Rhone received the Ultimate Icon Award, presented by Kelly Rowland.
The ceremony also introduced two new categories. The Fashion Vanguard Award, presented to Taylor, recognizes contribution to culture through fashion and creative expression. The Pulse Award, presented to Druski himself, recognizes cultural influence across digital media, podcasts and emerging content platforms.
The evening featured a heartfelt tribute to the late D’Angelo, with Ari Lennox, RAYE, BJ the Chicago Kid, Durand Bernarr and George Clinton performing alongside D’Angelo’s children in a deeply personal moment. The In Memoriam segment was anchored by the music of the late gospel pioneer Richard Smallwood, with vocal performances by Erica Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson.
Druski set the tone early with an opening monologue and later staged a live Coulda Been Records audition skit featuring Durand Bernarr and Saint Harison. He also surprised the audience by bringing out Martin Lawrence, who introduced Yung Miami to present Doechii and SZA with the BET Her Award. Barack Obama shared a special message during the broadcast about the newly opened Obama Presidential Center. Jamie Foxx also made an unexpected appearance, performing alongside his daughter Anelise Foxx.
On the performance side, Cardi B brought energy with ErrTime and Pretty and Petty, Kehlani delivered an emotional rendition of Folded, which also took home Video of the Year, and Tems captivated the room with What You Need. French Montana and Max B performed Ever Since U Left Me before Rick Ross joined them for Minks in Miami. Baby Keem, Rick Ross, T.I. and Kenny Iko also took the stage throughout the night.
Clipse dominated the music categories, winning Album of the Year for Ler God Sort Em Out, Best Group and Best Collaboration alongside Kendrick Lamar for Chains and Whips. Kendrick also took Best Male Hip Hop Artist while Cardi B claimed Best Female Hip Hop Artist. Kehlani won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for Folded, with Leon Thomas taking Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and Olivia Dean earning Best New Artist. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor while Sinners took Best Movie.
An encore of the 2026 BET Awards airs Monday, June 29 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and is available to stream on Paramount+ starting Monday, June 29 at 6:30 AM ET.
Full Winners List
Album of the Year Ler God Sort Em Out, Clipse
Best Collaboration Chains and Whips, Clipse and Kendrick Lamar
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Kehlani
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Leon Thomas
Best New Artist Olivia Dean
Best Group Clipse
Best Female Hip Hop Artist Cardi B
Best Male Hip Hop Artist Kendrick Lamar
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award Headphones, Lecrae, Killer Mike and T.I.
BET Her Award Girl Get Up, Doechii and SZA
Video of the Year Folded, Kehlani
Video Director of the Year Teyana Taylor
Best Movie Sinners
Best Actress Teyana Taylor
Best Actor Michael B. Jordan
Fashion Vanguard Award Teyana Taylor
The Pulse Award Druski
YoungStars Award Jazzy’s World TV
Sportswoman of the Year A’ja Wilson, Basketball
Sportsman of the Year Jalen Brunson, Basketball