Sunday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the 2026 BET Awards made one thing abundantly clear: Black excellence is not a moment, it’s a movement.
Teyana Taylor and Clipse walked away as the night’s biggest winners, each taking home three awards in a ceremony hosted for the first time by comedian Druski and broadcast live on BET.
Taylor’s night was nothing short of historic. She won Best Actress for her acclaimed performance in One Battle After Another, Video Director of the Year, and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award. But the defining moment came when Janet Jackson walked out onto the stage to personally present Taylor with the Icon of the Year honor, sending the room into a standing ovation before Jackson had said a single word.
Clipse dominated on the music side, claiming Album of the Year for Let God Sort ‘Em Out, Best Group, and Best Collaboration for “Chains & Whips,” their standout record with Kendrick Lamar. Lamar added to his own legacy by winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist for a record ninth time, while also sharing the collaboration win with the duo. Kehlani took home Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and Cardi B claimed Best Female Hip Hop Artist after entering the night with the most nominations of any artist.
The evening carried deep emotional weight. Ms. Lauryn Hill was honored with the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, with a tribute featuring performances from SZA, Doechii, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common, and more. A separate tribute to the late D’Angelo, who passed away last year at 51, brought the crowd to a reverent stillness.
Some nights at the BETs are good. This one felt like history.
