The 2026 BET Awards celebrated the biggest names in music, film and sports on Sunday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with Teyana Taylor and hip-hop duo Clipse emerging as the ceremony’s biggest winners.
Hosted by comedian Druski and broadcast live on BET, the star-studded event recognised outstanding achievements across entertainment, with both Taylor and Clipse taking home three competitive awards each.
Taylor’s impressive haul highlighted a career-defining year, while Clipse reaffirmed their place among hip-hop’s elite with victories in some of the ceremony’s most prestigious music categories.
Taylor Enjoys Career-Defining Success
Teyana Taylor delivered one of the standout moments of the evening by collecting the Best Actress award alongside Video Director of the Year for her work under the name “Spike-Tey.”
She also became the first recipient of the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award, recognising her influence in style and creativity.
Adding to her remarkable night, Taylor was honoured with the prestigious Icon of the Year recognition, one of the ceremony’s special honorary awards celebrating exceptional contributions to entertainment.
Clipse Sweep Top Music Honours
Clipse enjoyed an unforgettable evening after securing Album of the Year for Let God Sort ‘Em Out.
The duo also claimed Best Group and Best Collaboration for their hit track “Chains & Whips,” created alongside Kendrick Lamar.
Their victories capped a successful return to the spotlight and positioned them among the ceremony’s biggest success stories.
Kendrick Lamar and Kehlani Continue Winning Streaks
Kendrick Lamar further extended his legacy at the BET Awards by winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist for an unprecedented ninth time, strengthening his record as the most successful performer ever in the category.
He also shared the Best Collaboration award with Clipse.
Kehlani also enjoyed a memorable night, ending SZA’s three-year reign by winning Best Female R&B/Pop Artist.
She completed a double victory after her music video for “Folded” was named Video of the Year.
Fresh Faces and Familiar Stars Receive Recognition
British singer Olivia Dean continued her impressive rise after being named Best New Artist.
Having previously claimed the same honour at the Grammy Awards, she became only the fifth artist to achieve the rare feat of winning the category at both ceremonies.
Cardi B returned to the winners’ circle by earning Best Female Hip Hop Artist, marking her third career victory and her first since consecutive wins in 2018 and 2019.
Leon Thomas celebrated his first BET Award after defeating former winners Chris Brown, Usher and Bruno Mars to secure Best Male R&B/Pop Artist.
Film and Special Honours Take Centre Stage
The film Sinners emerged victorious as Best Movie, while its leading star, Michael B. Jordan, collected Best Actor for the fourth time in his career.
Music legend Ms. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award in recognition of her lasting impact on the music industry, while veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone was presented with the Ultimate Icon Award for her decades of leadership.
Sixteen-year-old entertainment journalist Jazlyn Guerra, widely recognised through Jazzy’s World TV, earned the YoungStars Award for her growing influence and celebrity interview platform.
Complete List of 2026 BET Awards Winners
Music Categories
- 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 Awards
- Fashion Vanguard Award: Teyana Taylor
- The Pulse Award: Druski
Film and Television Winners
- Best Movie: Sinners
- Best Actress: Teyana Taylor
- Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan
- YoungStars Award: Jazzy’s World TV
Sports Winners
- Sportswoman of the Year: A’ja Wilson (Basketball)
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Brunson (Basketball)
Artists With the Most Awards
Clipse and Teyana Taylor finished as the evening’s biggest winners with three awards each.
Kendrick Lamar and Kehlani followed with two victories apiece, continuing their consistent success at the BET Awards.
Biggest Nominees Left Empty-Handed
Several high-profile artists failed to convert multiple nominations into wins.
Doja Cat and Latto each went home without an award despite receiving four nominations.
A$AP Rocky, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Metro Boomin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tems and YK Niece also finished the night without victories despite earning three nominations each.
