BET Awards 2026: Teyana Taylor, Cardi B, Leon Thomas Among Top Winners

With comedian Druski at the helm as host, the night also shone a spotlight on industry legends.

Taylor was presented with the Icon of the Year Award, music executive Sylvia Rhone received the Ultimate Icon Award, and Ms. Lauryn Hill was honoured with the Living Legend Icon Award.

In her acceptance speech for Icon of the Year, Taylor called on the entertainment industry to embrace unity and lift one another up.

“There’s room for all of us to win,” Teyana said.
“This business is wicked, you know.
“It teaches us to compete, but I’ve never believed that my success had to call someone else’s theirs.

“If I know something, I should teach it. If I open a door, I should hold it. If I have a platform, I should make room for another voice.”

Taylor, who also claimed Best Actress, Fashion Vanguard, and Video Director of the Year, reflected on what she believes defines true greatness.

“Because I believe greatness isn’t measured by how many people stand beneath you, it’s measured by how many people stand beside you because you’re willing to reach back, that’s the only legacy I care about,” the thespian said.

“So tonight I will wear this title loud and proud because I promise to continue to earn it.”

Related: BET Awards: Tems Wins Best International Act

Music executive Sylvia Rhone, in her own acceptance speech, sounded a note of caution about the rapid pace of technological change threatening the music industry, calling on creatives to take an active role in shaping where it heads next.

“Music needs us to stand up for it like never before, because we are living through a time of massive technological change,” Sylvia Rhone said.

“The possibilities are super exciting, but we must stay as active on the tech side of music as we are on the soulful side.

“We make the algorithm, the algorithm doesn’t make us.”

FULL LIST OF WINNERS — 2026 BET AWARDSBest Male R&B / Pop Artist: Leon Thomas
Best Female R&B / Pop Artist: Kehlani
BET Her Award:“Girl, Get Up,” Doechii and SZA
Album of the Year:Let God Sort Them Out, Clipse
Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Cardi B
Fashion Vanguard: Teyana Taylor
Pulse Award: Druski
Video Director of the Year: Teyana Taylor
Best Actress: Teyana Taylor
Sportswoman of the Year: A’ja Wilson
Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Brunson