BET Awards 2026: Full Winners List as Cardi B, Kehlani Shine

Teyana Taylor and hip-hop duo Clipse emerged as the biggest winners at the 2026 BET Awards, taking home three awards each during the ceremony held on Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by comedian Druski, the event celebrated outstanding achievements in music, film, television and sports, with Kendrick Lamar and Kehlani also enjoying successful nights after winning two awards apiece. Taylor was recognised as Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and received the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award. She was also honoured with the prestigious Icon of the Year recognition for her contributions to entertainment. Clipse dominated 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 extended his record in the Best Male Hip Hop Artist category by claiming the award for a ninth time, while Kehlani ended SZA's three-year reign as Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and also won Video of the Year for Folded. Cardi B returned to the winners' circle, earning Best Female Hip Hop Artist, her third career victory in the category and first since her back-to-back wins in 2018 and 2019. British singer Olivia Dean added another major honour to her growing career by winning Best New Artist, having earlier claimed the same category at the Grammy Awards. Leon Thomas secured his first Best Male R&B/Pop Artist award, beating previous winners Chris Brown, Usher and Bruno Mars. In the film categories, Sinners won Best Movie, while Michael B. Jordan received Best Actor for his role in the film. Entertainment legend Ms. Lauryn Hill was presented with the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, while veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone received the Ultimate Icon Award. Sixteen-year-old entertainment journalist Jazlyn Guerra, popularly known as Jazzy's World TV, was named YoungStars Award winner for her celebrity interviews and growing impact in entertainment journalism.

Full List of Winners

Music

• Album of the Year – Let God Sort Em Out — Clipse
• Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – Kehlani
• Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Leon Thomas
• Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Cardi B
• Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
• Best Group – Clipse
• Best Collaboration – Chains & Whips — Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar
• Best New Artist – Olivia Dean
• Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – Headphones — Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I.
• BET Her Award – girl, get up. — Doechii featuring SZA
• Viewers' Choice Award – Burning Blue — Mariah the Scientist
• Video of the Year – Folded — Kehlani
• Video Director of the Year – Teyana Taylor

General

• Fashion Vanguard Award – Teyana Taylor
• The Pulse Award – Druski

Film & Television

• Best Movie – Sinners
• Best Actress – Teyana Taylor
• Best Actor – Michael B. Jordan
• YoungStars Award – Jazzy's World TV

Sports

• Sportswoman of the Year – A'ja Wilson
• Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Brunson

Most Awards Won

• Teyana Taylor – 3
• Clipse – 3
• Kehlani – 2
• Kendrick Lamar – 2

Most Nominations Without a Win

Doja Cat, Latto (4 each); A$AP Rocky, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Metro Boomin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tems and YK Niece (3 each).

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