American actress and singer 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 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The event, hosted by comedian Druski and broadcast live on BET, also saw Kendrick Lamar and Kehlani secure two awards apiece, according to a post on Billboard.
Taylor capped off a remarkable year by winning Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award. She was also honoured with the prestigious Icon of the Year award, one of three honorary recognitions presented during the ceremony.
Clipse dominated the music categories, winning Album of the Year for Let God Sort ‘Em Out, Best Group and Best Collaboration for “Chains & Whips,” their hit collaboration with Kendrick Lamar.
Lamar added to his impressive BET Awards record by winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist for a ninth time, further extending his lead as the most decorated artiste in the category.
Kehlani claimed her first Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award, ending SZA’s three-year reign in the category, and also won Video of the Year for her hit song “Folded.”
British singer Olivia Dean, who earlier won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, replicated the feat at the BET Awards, becoming only the fifth artiste to win the category at both ceremonies.
Cardi B secured the Best Female Hip Hop Artist award, her third career win in the category and first since winning consecutive honours in 2018 and 2019.
Leon Thomas emerged as Best Male R&B/Pop Artist for the first time, beating former winners Chris Brown, Usher and Bruno Mars.
In the film categories, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, won Best Movie, while Michael B. Jordan took home the Best Actor award for his performance in the film, his fourth win in the category.
Music legend Ms. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, while veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone was honoured with the Ultimate Icon Award.
Sixteen-year-old journalist Jazlyn Guerra, popularly known as Jazzy’s World TV, won the YoungStars Award for her celebrity interviews and growing influence in entertainment journalism.
