BET Awards 2026: Teyana Taylor, Clipse and Kendrick Lamar Dominate a Star-Studded Night in Los Angeles

The 2026 BET Awards have come to a close, with Teyana Taylor and rap duo Clipse stealing the spotlight at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, 28th June. Comedian Druski hosted the glittering ceremony, which celebrated excellence across music, film, and television — and also walked away with the Pulse Award himself.

Teyana Taylor had arguably the most remarkable evening of any individual at the event, picking up Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and the Fashion Vanguard Award in competitive categories, before being crowned Icon of the Year. Clipse matched her energy, securing Album of the Year for Let God Sort 'Em Out, Best Group, and Best Collaboration for Chains & Whips, a track featuring Kendrick Lamar.

Kendrick Lamar continued his remarkable run in the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist category, registering a record ninth career win. Kehlani also had a strong night, earning Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for Folded. Cardi B claimed Best Female Hip-Hop Artist for a third time, while Leon Thomas took home his first Best Male R&B/Pop Artist honour. British singer Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist.

On the film side, Ryan Coogler's highly anticipated movie Sinners won Best Movie, with its lead actor Michael B. Jordan claiming Best Actor for the fourth time in that category. The sporting honours went to NBA star Jalen Brunson, who was named Sportsman of the Year, and WNBA champion A'ja Wilson, who received the Sportswoman of the Year award.

The ceremony also paid tribute to trailblazers through special honours. Ms. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, while veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone was presented with the Ultimate Icon Award. Youth content creator Jazzy's World TV picked up the Rising Star Award, rounding off a night that celebrated Black excellence across generations and disciplines.