The 2026 BET Awards celebrated Black achievements in music, television, film and sports, bringing together some of the biggest names in entertainment Sunday night in Los Angeles.
The Clipse were the night’s big winner after being awarded Album of the Year for their 2025 comeback release Let God Sort Em Out. The Virginia Beach duo did not attend the ceremony, where they also won Best Group and Best Collaboration with Kendrick Lamar for “Chains & Whips.”
The Best Female R&B/Pop Artist trophy went to Kehlani, while Leon Thomas was named Best Male R&B/Pop Artist.
Cardi B won the award for Best Female Hip Hop Artist, and the Best Male Hip Hop Artist award went to Kendrick Lamar.
Related: Lauryn Hill Fights Back Tears During Powerful BET Awards Tribute
T.I. kicked off the show with a high-energy performance of “Top Back” and “Let ’Em Know.”
The evening included a heartfelt tribute to late musician D’Angelo, featuring performances by Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, Durand Bernarr, George Clinton, Raye, and remarks by D’Angelo’s children.
The “In Memoriam segment” was anchored by a tribute to late gospel pioneer Richard Smallwood, and featured a performance by Erica Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson.
Janet Jackson presented Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award, and Kelly Rowland presented music industry pioneer Sylvia Rhone with the Ultimate Icon Award.
The highlight of the show was an 18-minute musical tribute to Lauryn Hill, before she was awarded the Living Legend Icon Award.
The performance featured Alexia Jayy, Common, Doechii, Doja Cat, Lizzo, Nas, Queen Latifah, Rapsody, Selah Marley, SZA, Tems, Tierra Whack, The War and Treaty, Zion Marley and YG Marley.
Following the tribute, Ice Cube presented Hill with her award. The singer-songwriter closed out the ceremony with a performance of her iconic single “Everything Is Everything.”
Below is the complete list of winners at the 2026 BET Awards:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
“Let God Sort Em Out” – Clipse
BEST COLLABORATION
“Chains & Whips” – Clipse, Kendrick Lamar
BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
Kehlani
BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
Leon Thomas
BEST NEW ARTIST
Olivia Dean
BEST GROUP
Clipse
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Cardi B
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Kendrick Lamar
DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
“Headphones” – Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I.
BET HER AWARD
“Girl Get Up” – Doechii, SZA
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Folded” – Kehlani
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Teyana Taylor
BEST MOVIE
Sinners
BEST ACTRESS
Teyana Taylor
BEST ACTOR
Michael B. Jordan
THE FASHION VANGUARD AWARD
Teyana Taylor
THE PULSE AWARD
Druski
YOUNG STARS AWARD
Jazzy’s World TV
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
A’ja Wilson — Basketball
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Jalen Brunson — Basketball
Discover more from Urban Hollywood 411
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
