The 2026 BET Awards returned to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28. Comedian and actor Druski hosted this year’s event. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of Black entertainers, athletes, and creators across music, film, television, and sports. Established in 2001 by Black Entertainment Television (BET), the annual ceremony has become one of the biggest celebrations of Black excellence. It also honors the artists and cultural figures shaping the industry.
This year’s ceremony brought together some of the industry’s biggest names. The evening featured memorable performances, emotional speeches, major award wins, and standout red carpet fashion. The night also introduced a new honor, the Living Legend Icon Award. The BET Awards presented Ms. Lauryn Hill with the honor in recognition of her lasting influence on music and culture.
Fashion Highlights
The outfits for this awards ceremony did not disappoint. There was a mix of high fashion and timeless pieces from all attendees.
One specific standout look was Teyana Taylor. She wore a burgundy Stéphane Rolland couture gown with a structured corset, an asymmetrical skirt, and a flowing cape. Her matching tiara tied the look together, which was fitting for the reward she received.
Keke Palmer stunned in an embellished black Gucci gown with a one-shoulder silhouette, crystal detailing, thigh-high split, and open back.
Doechii rocked a daring look in a sheer brown Dsquared2 knit gown with waist cutouts and a plunging neckline.
Lizzo wore a floor-length Christian Cowan gown. Queen Latifah wore a statement, sculptural black gown with dramatic volume and textured detailing.
Janet Jackson paid tribute to two music icons with her red carpet look, wearing a vintage Tupac Shakur T-shirt layered over a black-and-white pinstriped ensemble in honor of her Poetic Justice co-star. She completed the outfit with stacked silver bracelets, a statement belt, and a veiled fedora, a subtle nod to her late brother, Michael Jackson, whose signature style often featured the iconic hat.
Many of the male attendees also delivered their own standout fashion moments. Jaafar Jackson was in a tailored Valentino ensemble, featuring a satin floral-print blazer, dark trousers, and a crisp button-up shirt. Common wore a patterned black suit accented with vibrant colors, while T.I. chose a coordinated gray plaid suit with a matching tie and pocket square.
Love Island USA stars JaNa Craig, Serena Page, and Olandria Carthen also proved that their style expands beyond the villa. Craig wore a cream-colored gown with a structured bodice and sleek silhouette. Carthen was wearing a custom Theo Philio design in a vibrant blue hue. Page wore a Rahul Mishra Fall 2024 gown. The illusion-inspired design created a striking visual effect.
Who Took Home the Trophies?
Cardi B entered the night as the most-nominated artist with a total of six nominations. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist had five nominations each. Other artists like Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Latto, Olivia Dean, and Teyana Taylor also had multiple nominations across several categories.
Many artists left the ceremony with major wins. Cardi B was named Best Female Hip Hop Artist, while Kendrick won for Best Male. Leon Thomas received Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, and Kehlani took home the same award for Best Female. Clipse won Best Group, Best Collaboration for “Chains & Whips,” and Album of the Year for Let God Sort Em Out.
Teyana Taylor also won multiple awards. She won Video Director of the Year as “Spike-Tey” Taylor. Taylor even took home the award for Best Actress. Earlier in the ceremony, she received the BET Icon of the Year Award.
However, this celebration went beyond just music and also shone a light on actors, actresses, and sports. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor, as Sinners was named Best Movie, and Olivia Dean earned Best New Artist. On the sports side, A’ja Wilson was named Sportswoman of the Year, and Jalen Brunson won Sportsman of the Year.
Celebrating Ms. Lauryn Hill: The Living Legend Icon
Ms. Lauryn Hill, an ex-member of the Fugees and known for her songs “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor,” and her role as Rita Louise Watson in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, was the first to be presented with a brand new award, the Living Legend Icon Award.
After receiving the award, she shared an emotional speech with the audience. “I had wonderful parents who loved on me, poured into me, and protected me,” she said. “And once I realized that not everybody got to have that experience, I felt like it was my duty, my responsibility to share as much love and to pour into much people as I possibly could, and music was a way for me to do that, okay?”
Before Ms. Hill accepted the award, several artists honored her by performing her biggest hits. SZA, Doechii, Tierra Whack, Tems, Doja Cat, Nas, Lizzo, Rapsody, Common, and Queen Latifah each took the stage to express the forever-lasting impact Ms. Hill has had across generations of hip-hop and R&B through her music. Lizzo ended her tribute by telling Hill, “I love you so much.”
One of the most touching moments from the evening came when Ms. Hill’s daughter, Selah Marley, surprised her with a heartfelt performance dedicated to her mother. Hill became visibly emotional as she watched and was seen smiling through tears while the audience celebrated alongside her.
Ms. Hill also shared that The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was created as a reflection of the beauty and potential she saw within her community, thanking those who inspired the landmark album.
“We hold different gifts,” she said. “Someone else’s gifting might be fashion. Might be hair. Might be consoling someone. It might be this microphone. But that gifting is very important because somebody out there needs your gift. So don’t sell your gift short.”
What's Your Reaction?
