May 19, (THEWILL) — The 2026 BET Awards nominations were officially announced on Tuesday, May 19, with Cardi B leading the pack with six nods.
Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist follow closely with five nominations each, while Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto each earned four.
This year, BET introduced two new categories to recognize creativity beyond music: the Fashion Vanguard Award and the Pulse Award.
The Fashion Vanguard Award honors global figures who have made a lasting impact on fashion, with nominees including Zendaya, Rihanna, Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Colman Domingo, and others.
The Pulse Award celebrates creators and shows that have advanced Black culture and community across digital platforms.
Cardi B is nominated in several major categories, including Best Collaboration, Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Video Director of the Year, Album of the Year, and Viewers’ Choice.
Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist will compete with her in some of these categories, with Lamar also up for Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Video of the Year, and Mariah nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Album of the Year.
Nigerian music stars feature prominently as well, with Wizkid and Asake nominated for Best Group, Burna Boy up for Best Collaboration for his feature on Gunna’s track “wgft,” and Tems receiving a nod for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist.
Their recognition highlights the growing global influence of Afrobeats.
The 2026 BET Awards, hosted by comedian and skit-maker Druski, will air live on Sunday, June 28, on BET and broadcast simultaneously across select Paramount-owned channels.
The ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
