The 2026 BET Awards saw Teyana Taylor and hip-hop duo Clipse take home three awards each. Taylor, who has had a remarkable year, won the Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the Fashion Vanguard Award. She was also honoured with the prestigious Icon of the Year award.
Clipse dominated the music categories, winning Album of the Year for Let God Sort 'Em Out, Best Group and Best Collaboration for “Chains & Whips,” their hit collaboration with Kendrick Lamar. Lamar added to his impressive BET Awards record by winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist for a ninth time.
Kehlani claimed her first Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award, ending SZA’s three-year reign in the category, and also won Video of the Year for her hit song “Folded.” British singer Olivia Dean, who earlier won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, replicated the feat at the BET Awards, becoming only the fifth artiste to win the category at both ceremonies.
Cardi B secured the Best Female Hip Hop Artist award, her third career win in the category and first since winning consecutive honours in 2018 and 2019. Leon Thomas emerged as Best Male R&B/Pop Artist for the first time, beating former winners Chris Brown, Usher and Bruno Mars.
In the film categories, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, won Best Movie, while Michael B. Jordan took home the Best Actor award for his performance in the film, his fourth win in the category.
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. Sixteen-year-old journalist Jazzy’s World TV won the YoungStars Award for her celebrity interviews and growing influence in entertainment journalism.
Teyana Taylor's impressive win comes after a remarkable year of achievements in the entertainment industry. The singer and actress has been breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes with her unique style and performances.
With her wins at the BET Awards, Teyana Taylor cemented her position as a leading artiste in the industry. Her dedication and hard work have inspired countless young artists and earned her a loyal fan base.
Key Facts
• Teyana Taylor won three awards at the 2026 BET Awards. • Clipse won three awards, including Album of the Year for Let God Sort 'Em Out. • Kendrick Lamar won his ninth Best Male Hip Hop Artist award. • Kehlani took home her first Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award. • Olivia Dean won the Best New Artist award at the BET Awards, becoming only the fifth artiste to win the category at both the Grammy and BET Awards. • Cardi B won her third Best Female Hip Hop Artist award. • Leon Thomas won his first Best Male R&B/Pop Artist award. • Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, won the Best Movie award. • Michael B. Jordan took home his fourth Best Actor award for his performance in Sinners. • Ms. Lauryn Hill received the Living Legend Icon Award. • Sylvia Rhone was honoured with the Ultimate Icon Award. • Jazzy’s World TV won the YoungStars Award for her celebrity interviews and growing influence in entertainment journalism.