American actress, singer and filmmaker Teyana Taylor and hip-hop duo Clipse emerged as the biggest winners at the 2026 BET Awards, each taking home three trophies during the ceremony held Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
The annual event, hosted by comedian Druski and aired live on BET, also saw Kendrick Lamar and Kehlani claim two awards each after another successful year in music.
Taylor continued her impressive run by winning Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the newly created Fashion Vanguard Award. She was also recognised with the prestigious Icon of the Year honour, one of the ceremony’s three special honorary awards.
Clipse enjoyed a standout night in the music categories, winning Album of the Year for Let God Sort ‘Em Out, Best Group, and Best Collaboration for “Chains & Whips,” featuring Kendrick Lamar.
Lamar further strengthened his legacy by winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist for a record-extending ninth time, making him the most successful recipient in the history of the category.
Kehlani earned her first BET Award for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, ending SZA’s three-year dominance in the category. She also secured Video of the Year with her hit single “Folded.”
British singer Olivia Dean added another milestone to her career after receiving the Best New Artist award. Having already claimed the same honour at the Grammy Awards earlier this year, she became only the fifth artiste to win the category at both ceremonies.
Cardi B returned to the winners’ circle by claiming Best Female Hip Hop Artist, marking her third victory in the category and her first since consecutive wins in 2018 and 2019.
Leon Thomas celebrated his first BET Award after being named Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, defeating previous winners Chris Brown, Usher and Bruno Mars.
In the film categories, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners was named Best Movie, while Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his role in the film, earning his fourth career victory in the category.
Music icon Ms. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award in recognition of her lasting impact on the music industry. Veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone was also honoured with the Ultimate Icon Award for her decades of contributions to entertainment.
Sixteen-year-old entertainment journalist Jazlyn Guerra, widely known as Jazzy’s World TV, won the YoungStars Award for her celebrity interviews and growing influence in youth entertainment journalism.
Among the music winners, Lecrae, Killer Mike and T.I. won the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for “Headphones,” while Doechii featuring SZA received the BET Her Award for “girl, get up.” Mariah the Scientist claimed the Viewers’ Choice Award with “Burning Blue.”
On the sports side, basketball stars A’ja Wilson and Jalen Brunson were named Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year respectively.
Although several artistes entered the ceremony with multiple nominations, Doja Cat and Latto each left empty-handed despite receiving four nominations. Other notable nominees without wins included Tems, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Metro Boomin, Jill Scott, A$AP Rocky, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and YK Niece.
