American entertainer Teyana Taylor and hip-hop duo Clipse emerged as the biggest winners at the 2026 BET Awards, taking home multiple trophies during the ceremony held on Sunday at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
The event, hosted by comedian Druski and broadcast live on BET, celebrated outstanding achievements across music, film, television and culture.
Taylor enjoyed one of the night’s strongest performances, winning Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award. She was also recognised with the prestigious Icon of the Year honour, one of three special awards presented during the ceremony.
Clipse dominated the music categories by claiming Album of the Year for Let God Sort ‘Em Out, Best Group, and Best Collaboration for Chains & Whips, featuring Kendrick Lamar.
Lamar added to his own impressive record by winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist for the ninth time, while sharing the Best Collaboration award with Clipse.
Singer Kehlani earned two major victories, ending SZA’s three-year reign as Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and also winning Video of the Year for Folded.
British singer Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist, becoming only the fifth performer to win both the Grammy Award for Best New Artist and the BET Award in the same year.
Elsewhere, Cardi B claimed Best Female Hip Hop Artist, marking her first victory in the category since 2018, while Leon Thomas took home Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, beating a field that included Chris Brown, Usher, and Bruno Mars.
In the film categories, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, was named Best Movie, while Michael B. Jordan received Best Actor, earning his fourth career win in the category.
The ceremony also celebrated industry icons. 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.
Teen entertainment journalist Jazlyn Guerra, popularly known as Jazzy’s World TV, won the YoungStars Award for her growing influence through celebrity interviews and youth-focused entertainment coverage.
Other Major Winners
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Kehlani
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Leon Thomas
- Best Group: Clipse
- Best Collaboration: Chains & Whips – Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Cardi B
- Video of the Year: Folded – Kehlani
- Video Director of the Year: Teyana “Spike-Tey” Taylor
- Best New Artist: Olivia Dean
- Album of the Year: Let God Sort ‘Em Out – Clipse
- Best Gospel/Inspirational Song: Headphones – Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I.
- Best Actress: Teyana Taylor
- Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan
- Best Movie: Sinners
- Sportswoman of the Year: A’ja Wilson
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Brunson
- BET Her Award: girl, get up. – Doechii featuring SZA
The 2026 edition of the BET Awards showcased a blend of established stars and emerging talents, with music, film and sports figures recognised for their impact over the past year.
