Teyana Taylor emerged as the night’s top honoree at the 2026 BET Awards, capping a ceremony that celebrated music, film, sports, and Black culture with tributes, performances, and career recognition.
Taylor won four awards, including Icon of the Year, Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and the Fashion Vanguard Award. Janet Jackson presented the Icon of the Year honor, recognizing Taylor’s two decades of work across music, film, choreography, and creative direction. Reuters reported that Taylor delivered an emotional acceptance speech reflecting on her career and the work that led to the recognition.
Hosted by comedian Druski at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the annual awards show featured performances from Cardi B, Kehlani, RAYE, T.I., Don Toliver, Tems, and others. Jamie Foxx made a surprise appearance during Kehlani’s performance, while RAYE drew a standing ovation for her vocal performance of “Nightingale Lane.”
Clipse joined Taylor among the night’s biggest winners, while Kendrick Lamar also earned multiple honors. Cardi B, who entered the ceremony with the most nominations, won Best Female Hip Hop Artist.
One of the evening’s signature moments came as Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award. A tribute featuring artists including SZA, Nas, Doja Cat, Queen Latifah, and Rapsody celebrated Hill’s influence before she surprised the audience by taking the stage to perform “Ex-Factor.” During her acceptance speech, Hill encouraged people to value their individual gifts and support one another.
Music executive Sylvia Rhone also received special recognition with the BET Ultimate Icon Award, honoring her decades of leadership in the recording industry. In her remarks, she emphasized preserving the artistry and soul of music during a period of rapid technological change.
The ceremony also included an emotional tribute to the late D’Angelo, featuring appearances by members of his family and performances honoring his influence on contemporary R&B. The annual In Memoriam segment featured gospel performances from Erica Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson.
The BET Awards celebrate achievements in music, television, film, and sports while recognizing contributions to Black culture. Druski became the youngest host in the show’s history, guiding a ceremony that blended award presentations with live performances and tributes to influential artists.
