The 2026 BET Awards took place on June 28 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater.
“Black creativity is among the most powerful forces in the world.”
— Sylvia Rhone
The BET Awards began at 8 p.m. ET/PT, bringing together artists, entertainers, and sports figures. Druski hosted a live event with performances from Don Toliver, Tems, and Cardi B. Although Cardi B earned six nominations, Teyana Taylor and Clipse won the most awards, each getting three honors.
Clipse, led by brothers Pusha T and No Malice, won Best Collaboration with Kendrick Lamar for “Chains & Whips.” Kendrick Lamar also won Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, setting a BET Awards record. Other winners included Olivia Dean (Best New Artist) and Leon Thomas (Best Male R&B/Pop Artist). Kehlani claimed Best Female R&B/Pop Artist for the first time, according to Billboard’s roundup.
The ceremony honored influential figures as well: D’Angelo was remembered during the event. Lauryn Hill received the Living Legend Icon award. Janet Jackson presented Taylor with the Icon of the Year award while wearing a 2Pac tribute shirt, highlighting the event’s homage to Black legacy. Veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone received the Ultimate Icon award, showcasing her long influence, Variety reported.
Industry reaction and cultural impact
The awards sparked wide discussion about hip-hop and R&B’s vigorous influence in mainstream and Black culture. Industry leaders saw the event as proof of Black creativity’s powerful global role. Sylvia Rhone emphasized this during her acceptance speech. She called Black creativity among the most powerful forces worldwide. Its influence reaches music, fashion, and digital media trends, Variety noted.
Kendrick Lamar’s Best Male Hip-Hop win marks a key achievement. It highlights the respect he holds in the industry. Billboard sees the BET Awards as a platform that lifts Black artists and new talents. Kehlani’s first win adds to her strengthening profile. Olivia Dean’s Best New Artist award shows BET’s growing international reach, Billboard added.
Despite leading with six nominations, Cardi B won fewer awards than expected. Fans and critics speculated about shifting tastes or emerging artists like Teyana Taylor. Taylor’s wins across music, directing, and acting show her diversification. Special awards for Lauryn Hill and Sylvia Rhone stress BET’s aim to honor both current stars and history. The event acts as a guardian of Black cultural heritage, Revolt reported.
What it means
The 2026 BET Awards show an industry in change as artists like Teyana Taylor break boundaries.
Honoring veterans like Sylvia Rhone and Lauryn Hill links past and current Black creativity. New voices such as Olivia Dean and Leon Thomas gain attention, showing BET’s key role in highlighting talent. Moments like Janet Jackson’s 2Pac tribute and D’Angelo’s remembrance add meaning, making the event about community and identity, per Revolt’s roundup.
