June 29 (THEWILL) — The 2026 BET Awards celebrated achievements in music, film, sports and culture, with Teyana Taylor and hip-hop duo Clipse emerging as the night’s biggest winners.
The ceremony was held on Sunday, June 28, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles and hosted by comedian Druski.
Taylor won Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award. She also received the Icon of the Year honour, presented by Janet Jackson.
Clipse dominated the music categories, winning Album of the Year for “Let God Sort ‘Em Out”, Best Group and Best Collaboration for “Chains & Whips” featuring Kendrick Lamar.
Lamar also won Best Male Hip Hop Artiste for a record ninth time. Kehlani took home Best Female R&B/Pop Artiste and Video of the Year for her hit song “Folded”.
Cardi B, who entered the night with the most nominations, won Best Female Hip Hop Artiste. Leon Thomas claimed Best Male R&B/Pop Artiste, while British singer Olivia Dean continued her breakthrough year by winning Best New Artiste.
In the film categories, “Sinners” won Best Movie, while Michael B. Jordan was named Best Actor for his role in the film. Sixteen-year-old entertainment journalist, Jazlyn Guerra, popularly known as Jazzy’s World TV, won the YoungStars Award.
Music legend, Ms Lauryn Hill, received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, while veteran music executive, Sylvia Rhone, was honoured with the Ultimate Icon Award.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Music
Album of the Year – Let God Sort ‘Em Out — Clipse
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – Kehlani
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Leon Thomas
Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Cardi B
Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
Best Group – Clipse
Best Collaboration – “Chains & Whips” — Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist – Olivia Dean
Dr Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – “Headphones” — Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I.
BET Her Award – “girl, get up.” — Doechii featuring SZA
Viewers’ Choice Award – “Burning Blue” — Mariah the Scientist
Video of the Year – “Folded” — Kehlani
Video Director of the Year – Teyana “Spike-Tey” Taylor
General
Fashion Vanguard Award – Teyana Taylor
The Pulse Award – Druski
Film and Television
Best Movie – Sinners
Best Actress – Teyana Taylor
Best Actor – Michael B. Jordan
YoungStars Award – Jazzy’s World TV
Sports
Sportswoman of the Year – A’ja Wilson
Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Brunson
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
