Updated: June 29, 2026

The BET Awards 2026 are being held live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with comedian and digital creator Druski hosting the annual celebration of Black excellence across music, film, television, sports and culture. The ceremony is airing on BET and several partner networks as winners are announced throughout the night.

Cardi B entered the show as the top nominee with six nominations, followed by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five each. Early results have already delivered major wins for Teyana Taylor, Clipse, Kehlani, Leon Thomas and A’ja Wilson.

Teyana Taylor leads the early story of the night

Teyana Taylor has become one of the biggest names of the 2026 BET Awards so far. She won the Fashion Vanguard Award, Best Actress and Video Director of the Year, where she was recognized under her directing name, Teyana “Spike-Tey” Taylor.

Her strong showing reflects a career that now stretches across music, acting, fashion, choreography, directing and creative production. Taylor is also being recognized with the Icon of the Year Award, making her one of the most celebrated figures at this year’s ceremony.

Confirmed BET Awards 2026 winners

• Fashion Vanguard Award: Teyana Taylor
• The Pulse Award: Druski
• Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Kehlani
• Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Leon Thomas
• Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Cardi B
• Video Director of the Year: Teyana “Spike-Tey” Taylor
• Album of the Year: Clipse — Let God Sort Em Out
• Best Actress: Teyana Taylor
• Sportswoman of the Year Award: A’ja Wilson — Basketball
• Sportsman of the Year Award: Jalen Brunson — Basketball
• BET Her Award: Doechii feat. SZA — girl, get up.

Cardi B wins Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Cardi B added another major BET Awards win by taking Best Female Hip Hop Artist. She came into the night with the most nominations of any artist, making her one of the ceremony’s central figures even before the winners were announced.

The category included a competitive field featuring Coi Leray, Doechii, Doja Cat, GloRilla, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Monaleo and YK Niece.

Clipse wins Album of the Year

Clipse claimed one of the night’s biggest music prizes, winning Album of the Year for Let God Sort Em Out. The category was stacked with major releases from Cardi B, Tyler, the Creator, J. Cole, Mariah the Scientist, Leon Thomas, Bruno Mars and Wale.

The win gives Clipse one of the most important honors of the ceremony and adds weight to the duo’s return to the center of hip-hop conversation.

R&B categories recognize Kehlani and Leon Thomas

Kehlani won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, beating a field that included Ari Lennox, Coco Jones, Ella Mai, Jill Scott, Mariah the Scientist, Olivia Dean, SZA and Tems.

Leon Thomas earned Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, winning over nominees including Brent Faiyaz, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Durand Bernarr, GIVĒON, October London and Usher.

Sports winners add star power beyond music

The BET Awards also recognized major achievements in sports. A’ja Wilson, the basketball star for the Las Vegas Aces, won Sportswoman of the Year. She beat a strong nominee list that included Angel Reese, Claressa Shields, Coco Gauff, Gabby Thomas, Jordan Chiles, Naomi Osaka and Sha’Carri Richardson.

Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks guard, won Sportsman of the Year. His category included Aaron Judge, Anthony Edwards, Caleb Williams, Jalen Hurts, LeBron James, Shedeur Sanders and Stephen Curry.

Special honors celebrate lasting influence

Beyond the competitive awards, the 2026 ceremony is also honoring major cultural figures. Lauryn Hill is receiving the Living Legend Icon Award, recognizing her lasting influence on hip-hop, R&B and soul music.

Sylvia Rhone, one of the most influential executives in the music business, is receiving the Ultimate Icon Award. Her career includes leadership roles across major labels and work with generations of artists.

Major categories still awaiting winners

Several categories remained unannounced as the live show continued, including Best Group, Best Collaboration, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Actor, Best Movie, Viewers’ Choice and the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award.

With Kendrick Lamar, Mariah the Scientist, Doechii, Drake, Tyler, the Creator, Baby Keem, SZA and several other major names still in contention, more headline results are expected as the ceremony continues.

Why this year’s ceremony matters

The BET Awards 2026 show how much the entertainment landscape has changed. Traditional music stars remain central to the event, but digital creators, athletes, actors, directors and executives are now part of the same cultural conversation.

Druski’s role as host and winner of The Pulse Award highlights the growing influence of online creators, while Teyana Taylor’s multiple wins show how modern entertainers are increasingly being recognized across several creative fields at once.

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For official broadcast details and category updates, visit the BET official website.