LOS ANGELES, United States – American actress and singer Teyana Taylor and acclaimed hip-hop duo Clipse emerged as the standout stars of the 2026 BET Awards, collecting three trophies each during a star-studded ceremony that celebrated achievements across music, film, television and sports.
Held on Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the annual awards ceremony was hosted by comedian Druski and broadcast live on BET, recognising some of the biggest names in Black entertainment.
Taylor enjoyed one of the most memorable nights of her career, earning Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and the newly created Fashion Vanguard Award. She was also presented with the prestigious Icon of the Year honour, cementing her influence across music, film and fashion.
Okay News reports that Clipse matched Taylor’s three-award haul after winning Album of the Year for Let God Sort ‘Em Out, Best Group, and Best Collaboration for their hit single “Chains & Whips”, featuring Kendrick Lamar.
Lamar, already one of the most celebrated artists in BET Awards history, further strengthened his legacy by securing Best Male Hip Hop Artist for a record-extending ninth time. He also shared the Best Collaboration honour with Clipse.
Another notable winner was Kehlani, who claimed her first-ever Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award, ending SZA’s three-year dominance in the category. She also walked away with Video of the Year for her single “Folded.”
British singer Olivia Dean continued her breakthrough year by winning Best New Artist, becoming only the fifth performer to capture the same honour at both the Grammy Awards and the BET Awards.
In hip-hop, Cardi B returned to the winners’ circle by taking home Best Female Hip Hop Artist, marking her third career victory in the category and her first since consecutive wins in 2018 and 2019.
Meanwhile, Leon Thomas earned his first Best Male R&B/Pop Artist award after edging past former winners including Chris Brown, Usher, and Bruno Mars.
The film categories also produced major winners. Ryan Coogler’s critically acclaimed Sinners was named Best Movie, while its lead star, Michael B. Jordan, received Best Actor, the fourth time he has claimed the award.
The ceremony also celebrated excellence beyond music and film. Sixteen-year-old entertainment journalist Jazlyn Guerra, widely recognised through Jazzy’s World TV, was named YoungStars Award winner for her celebrity interviews and growing influence in entertainment journalism.
Basketball stars dominated the sports honours, with A’ja Wilson winning Sportswoman of the Year, while Jalen Brunson received the Sportsman of the Year award.
Music icon Ms. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, while veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone was presented with the Ultimate Icon Award in recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Despite receiving multiple nominations, several high-profile artists left the ceremony empty-handed. Doja Cat and Latto each failed to convert four nominations into victories, while Tems, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, A$AP Rocky, Bryson Tiller, Metro Boomin, Jill Scott, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and YK Niece also did not secure awards despite multiple nominations.
Among the night’s other winners were Lecrae, Killer Mike and T.I., whose collaboration “Headphones” won the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award; Doechii featuring SZA, whose “girl, get up.” claimed the BET Her Award; Mariah the Scientist, whose “Burning Blue” won the Viewers’ Choice Award; and host Druski, who received The Pulse Award.
With three awards each, Teyana Taylor and Clipse finished as the ceremony’s biggest winners, while Kendrick Lamar and Kehlani followed with two victories apiece.
