The 2026 BET Awards delivered another memorable night celebrating Black music, entertainment, sports and culture. Broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 28, comedian Druski hosted the annual event, bringing humor while the ceremony honored some of the industry’s biggest names.

One of the night’s biggest stories was the continued rise of Teyana Taylor, who emerged as the evening’s top winner. Taylor received the prestigious Icon of the Year Award, presented by Janet Jackson, while also earning honors including Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and the Fashion Vanguard Award for her visual project Escape Room. During an emotional acceptance speech, Taylor reflected on her two-decade journey in entertainment and thanked those who supported her career.

Music legend Ms. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, recognizing her lasting influence on hip-hop, R&B and popular culture. The tribute featured performances by SZA, Nas, Queen Latifah, Doja Cat, Tems, Lizzo, Common, Rapsody, Tierra Whack and others before Hill surprised the audience with a live performance of “Ex-Factor.”

Another emotional highlight honored the legacy of D’Angelo, with an all-star tribute celebrating his impact on R&B and soul music. The ceremony also recognized legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone with the Ultimate Icon Award for her decades of leadership in the recording industry.

Other notable winners included Clipse, Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, Leon Thomas, and Kehlani, reflecting another year of excellence across hip-hop and R&B.

The evening featured performances from Cardi B, Kehlani, Baby Keem, RAYE, T.I., Doechii, Don Toliver and more, combining live music with emotional tributes that reinforced the BET Awards’ reputation as one of Black entertainment’s signature events.