The ceremony, hosted by Druski at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated a landmark night for Black music, film, and television.
Los Angeles, United States (Running Africa) — Teyana Taylor emerged as the biggest winner at the 2026 BET Awards, taking home four major honors in a landmark night that celebrated excellence in music, film, and entertainment.
Taylor received the coveted Icon of the Year award, as well as Best Actress, Video Director of the Year for her short film Escape Room, and the Fashion Vanguard Award. The clean sweep capped a remarkable year for the multi-hyphenate performer, who also earned Golden Globe and Academy Award recognition alongside Grammy nominations.
Hip-hop duo Clipse also enjoyed a standout evening, winning Album of the Year for Let God Sort ‘Em Out, Best Group, and Best Collaboration with Kendrick Lamar for Chains & Whips. Lamar extended his record as the most decorated winner in the category by claiming his ninth Best Male Hip-Hop Artist award.
R&B singer Kehlani secured Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for Folded, while Leon Thomas earned his first BET Award as Best Male R&B/Pop Artist. Cardi B was named Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, and British singer Olivia Dean took home Best New Artist.
In the film categories, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners won Best Movie, while Michael B. Jordan claimed Best Actor for his performance in the film.
The ceremony also recognized industry trailblazers, with Ms. Lauryn Hill receiving the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award and veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone honored with the Ultimate Icon Award.
African artists, however, were shut out of this year’s list of winners despite several high-profile nominations. Nigerian superstar Tems, who also performed during the ceremony, was nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, the BET Her Award, and the Viewers’ Choice Award. South Africa’s Tyla earned nominations for Video of the Year and Viewers’ Choice for Chanel, while Wizkid and Asake were nominated for Best Group, and Burna Boy received a nomination for Best Collaboration.
Full List of Winners:
- Album of the Year – Clipse, Let God Sort ‘Em Out
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female Hip-Hop Artist – Cardi B
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Leon Thomas
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist –Â Kehlani
- Best Group – Clipse
- Best Collaboration – Clipse ft. Kendrick Lamar, Chains & Whips
- Video of the Year –Â Kehlani, Folded
- Video Director of the Year – Teyana Taylor
- Best New Artist – Olivia Dean
- Best Movie – Sinners
- Best Actor – Michael B. Jordan
- Best Actress – Teyana Taylor
- Icon of the Year – Teyana Taylor
- Fashion Vanguard Award – Teyana Taylor
- Living Legend Icon Award – Ms. Lauryn Hill
- Ultimate Icon Award – Sylvia Rhone
