The BET Awards 2026 Winners showcased another memorable celebration of Black excellence, honoring the biggest achievements across music, film, television and sports. Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and hosted by comedian Druski, this year’s ceremony featured emotional acceptance speeches, star-studded performances and several surprise victories.
Among the biggest winners were Teyana Taylor, Clipse, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar, while legendary artist Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award.
Teyana Taylor Dominates the Night
Teyana Taylor enjoyed one of the most successful nights at the BET Awards, taking home multiple honors that recognized her influence across music, fashion, film and directing.
Her wins included:
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Icon of the Year | Teyana Taylor |
| Fashion Vanguard Award | Teyana Taylor |
| Best Actress | Teyana Taylor |
| Video Director of the Year | Teyana Taylor |
Taylor accepted the prestigious Icon of the Year Award from Janet Jackson, reflecting on her two-decade career in entertainment and thanking fans for supporting her artistic journey.
Clipse Takes Home Album of the Year
Hip-hop duo Clipse continued their successful comeback by winning Album of the Year for Let God Sort Em Out.
They also earned:
- Best Collaboration
- Best Group
Their collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, “Chains & Whips,” was recognized as one of the year’s standout hip-hop records.
Kehlani and Leon Thomas Continue Their Rise
R&B stars Kehlani and Leon Thomas added major BET Awards to their growing collections.
Kehlani won:
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
- Video of the Year (“Folded”)
Leon Thomas won:
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Both artists have become leading voices in contemporary R&B, with their latest projects receiving widespread commercial and critical acclaim.
Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar Earn Major Honors
Despite leading this year’s nominations, Cardi B didn’t sweep every category but still secured an important victory.
Cardi B
- Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Kendrick Lamar
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
- Best Collaboration (with Clipse)
Both artists remain among the industry’s most influential performers and continue to dominate award shows with consistent critical success.
Special Awards Celebrate Industry Legends
The ceremony also honored influential figures whose careers have shaped music and entertainment.
| Special Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Living Legend Icon Award | Lauryn Hill |
| Ultimate Icon Award | Sylvia Rhone |
| Icon of the Year | Teyana Taylor |
These honors celebrated decades of artistic achievement and contributions to Black culture and entertainment.
Film and Sports Winners
The BET Awards also recognized excellence beyond music.
Film Winners
- Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan
- Best Actress: Teyana Taylor
- Best Movie: Sinners
Sports Winners
- Sportswoman of the Year: A’ja Wilson
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Brunson
These awards highlighted outstanding performances across both Hollywood and professional sports.
Complete List of Major BET Awards 2026 Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Album of the Year | Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out |
| Video of the Year | Kehlani – “Folded” |
| Best Female Hip-Hop Artist | Cardi B |
| Best Male Hip-Hop Artist | Kendrick Lamar |
| Best Female R&B/Pop Artist | Kehlani |
| Best Male R&B/Pop Artist | Leon Thomas |
| Best Collaboration | Clipse ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Chains & Whips” |
| Best Group | Clipse |
| Best Actor | Michael B. Jordan |
| Best Actress | Teyana Taylor |
| Best Movie | Sinners |
| Sportswoman of the Year | A’ja Wilson |
| Sportsman of the Year | Jalen Brunson |
| Icon of the Year | Teyana Taylor |
| Living Legend Icon Award | Lauryn Hill |
| Ultimate Icon Award | Sylvia Rhone |
Memorable Performances
The 2026 BET Awards featured performances from many of the biggest names in music, including:
- Cardi B
- Kehlani
- Doechii
- Tems
- Rick Ross
- Common
- Jill Scott
- T.I.
- Don Toliver
The ceremony combined live music, tributes and emotional speeches to celebrate another year of achievements across Black entertainment.
The BET Awards 2026 Winners reflected another landmark year for music, film and sports. Teyana Taylor emerged as the night’s standout star with multiple honors, while Clipse, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar also celebrated major victories across some of the ceremony’s biggest categories.
Beyond the competitive awards, tributes to Lauryn Hill and Sylvia Rhone underscored the event’s commitment to honoring both rising talent and legendary figures. With unforgettable performances, emotional speeches and career-defining wins, the 2026 BET Awards once again highlighted the creativity, influence and cultural impact of Black artists and entertainers.
