BET Awards Winners celebrated achievements across music, film, sports, and entertainment as the 2026 ceremony concluded at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by Druski, the annual event honored performers, actors, athletes, and creators for their accomplishments over the past year.
The ceremony featured live performances and presented awards across numerous competitive categories. Before the event, Cardi B led all nominees with six nominations. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist followed with five nominations each. Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto each received four nominations. Additionally, several other artists earned three nominations.
Special honors highlighted the evening’s celebrations. Teyana Taylor received the Icon of the Year Award. Meanwhile, Lauryn Hill accepted the Living Legend Icon Award in recognition of her lasting influence on music and culture.
Kehlani won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. Leon Thomas earned Best Male R&B/Pop Artist. Clipse claimed Best Group and also won Best Collaboration with Kendrick Lamar for “Chains & Whips.” Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar received the Best Male Hip Hop Artist award. Cardi B secured the Best Female Hip Hop Artist honor.
Kehlani also earned Video of the Year for “Folded.” Likewise, Teyana Taylor won Video Director of the Year for her work under the name “Spike-Tey” Taylor. Olivia Dean received the Best New Artist award after a breakout year.
Clipse added another victory by winning Album of the Year for Let God Sort Em Out. In addition, Lecrae, Killer Mike, and T.I. received the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for “Headphones.”
Film and television categories recognized several leading performers. Teyana Taylor won Best Actress. Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan received the Best Actor award. Sinners earned the Best Movie award among this year’s nominees.
Athletes also received recognition during the ceremony. A’ja Wilson won Sportswoman of the Year following another successful basketball season. Similarly, Jalen Brunson earned Sportsman of the Year for his accomplishments on the court.
Additional awards celebrated achievements across entertainment and digital media. Druski won The Pulse Award. Jazzy’s World TV received the YoungStars Award. Finally, Doechii and SZA captured the BET Her Award for “girl, get up.,” recognizing music that promotes empowerment and inspiration.
The Viewers’ Choice category featured several popular songs released during the eligibility period. Nominees included music by Mariah the Scientist, Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar, Tyla, Kehlani, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown featuring Bryson Tiller, Olivia Dean, Cardi B, Dave and Tems, and Metro Boomin featuring Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece, and DJ Spinz.
The ceremony also included performances by Cardi B, Doechii, Queen Latifah, Common, Don Toliver, French Montana and Max B, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I., The War and Treaty, and kwn. MC Lyte returned as the show’s announcer.
BET Awards Winners showcased accomplishments across entertainment while recognizing artists, actors, filmmakers, athletes, and creators. Overall, the event combined performances, special honors, and competitive awards throughout the evening. As another edition concluded, BET Awards Winners celebrated both established stars and rising talent who shaped entertainment during the past year.
