American actress and singer Teyana Taylor and hip-hop duo Clipse were the top winners at the 2026 BET Awards, each taking home three trophies at the star-studded ceremony held Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Hosted by comedian Druski and broadcast live on BET, the event also saw Kendrick Lamar and Kehlani capture two awards apiece, as reported by Billboard.
Taylor capped a stellar year by winning Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and the newly created Fashion Vanguard Award. She was further celebrated with the prestigious Icon of the Year honor, one of three special recognitions presented during the night.
Clipse dominated the music categories, earning Album of the Year for Let God Sort ‘Em Out, Best Group, and Best Collaboration for their hit Chains & Whips with Kendrick Lamar. Lamar cemented his legacy by winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist for a record ninth time, solidifying his status as the most decorated artist in the category.
Kehlani ended SZA’s three-year reign by winning her first Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award, and she also took home Video of the Year for her hit Folded. British singer Olivia Dean, fresh off a Grammy for Best New Artist, repeated the feat at the BET Awards, becoming only the fifth artist to win the category at both ceremonies.
Cardi B claimed her third Best Female Hip Hop Artist trophy, and her first since back-to-back wins in 2018 and 2019. Leon Thomas was named Best Male R&B/Pop Artist for the first time, triumphing over past winners Chris Brown, Usher, and Bruno Mars.
In film, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, was honored as Best Movie, while Michael B. Jordan earned his fourth Best Actor award for his role in the film. Music legend Ms. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, and longtime music executive Sylvia Rhone was presented with the Ultimate Icon Award.
Sixteen-year-old journalist Jazlyn Guerra, known as Jazzy’s World TV, captured the YoungStars Award for her impact in entertainment journalism through celebrity interviews.
Full List of Winners — 2026 BET Awards
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 & 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 feat. 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 Categories
- Fashion Vanguard Award: Teyana Taylor
- The Pulse Award: Druski
Film and Television
- Best Movie: “Sinners”
- Best Actress: Teyana Taylor
- Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan
- YoungStars Award: Jazzy’s World TV
Sports Categories
- Sportswoman of the Year: A’ja Wilson (Basketball)
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Brunson (Basketball)
Most Wins
- Clipse: 3 awards
- Teyana Taylor: 3 awards
- Kehlani: 2 awards
- Kendrick Lamar: 2 awards
Most Nominations Without a Win
- Doja Cat: 4 nominations
- Latto: 4 nominations
- A$AP Rocky: 3 nominations
- Bruno Mars: 3 nominations
- Bryson Tiller: 3 nominations
- Chris Brown: 3 nominations
- Jill Scott: 3 nominations
- Metro Boomin: 3 nominations
- Tasha Cobbs Leonard: 3 nominations
- Tems: 3 nominations
- YK Niece: 3 nominations
