On 28th June, the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles hosted the star-studded 2026 BET Awards, which honoured Black excellence in music, cinema, television, and sports. Hosted by comedian Druski, the night blended emotional tributes, memorable performances, and major firsts, with Teyana Taylor emerging as the biggest winner and Lauryn Hill receiving one of the evening's highest honours.
Cardi B Led Nominations, But Teyana Taylor Owned the Night
Cardi B had the most nominations going into the awards with six, followed closely by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist, each with five. Each of Teyana Taylor, Doechii, Clipse, Olivia Dean, and Latto received four nominations.
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But Teyana Taylor, who won four major awards—Icon of the Year, Fashion Vanguard Award, Best Actress, and Video Director of the Year for Escape Room—took center stage.
Accepting the night's biggest honour from Janet Jackson, Taylor reflected on her two-decade journey, saying, "I've been doing this for 20 years, and to be seen like this means everything." Veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone was also given the Ultimate Icon Award at the event in recognition of her fifty years of service to the music industry.
Lauryn Hill's Historic Tribute and the Night's Biggest Moments
Being the first artist to earn the Living Legend Icon Award, Lauryn Hill's acceptance was one of the most emotional moments. The music pioneer was presented with a moving tribute that included SZA, Doja Cat, Nas, Queen Latifah, Rapsody, Lizzo, and others before Hill herself shocked the crowd by performing Ex-Factor.
During her speech, she told the crowd, "I do this because I love y'all," while also adding, "I fight for y'all," drawing a standing ovation.
Cardi B, Kehlani, Tems, Don Toliver, T.I., Jill Scott, Rick Ross, and more artists performed that evening. Throughout the award ceremony, host Druski kept the crowd amused with his signature humour.
2026 BET Awards: Key Winners List
Among the biggest competitive winners, Clipse won Album of the Year (Let God Sort Em Out), Best Group, and Best Collaboration with Kendrick Lamar for 'Chains & Whips.' Cardi B won Best Female Hip Hop Artist, and Kendrick Lamar won Best Male Hip Hop Artist. Leon Thomas won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, while Kehlani won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for 'Folded.'
'Sinners' won Best Film, Druski received The Pulse Award, Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor, and Olivia Dean was awarded Best New Artist. Other winners included Jazzy's World TV (YoungStars Award), A'ja Wilson (Sportswoman of the Year), and Jalen Brunson (Sportsman of the Year), making the 2026 BET Awards a celebration of excellence across entertainment and sports.
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