The BET Awards 2026 will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2026, featuring a slate of nominees led by Cardi B, who secured six nominations, including Album of the Year. BET has announced that Teyana Taylor will receive the Icon of the Year Award during the ceremony, which will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on BET and its partner networks.
Who is leading the 2026 BET Awards nominations?
Cardi B leads the field with six total nominations. According to the official BET press release, her project AM I THE DRAMA? is up for Album of the Year. She is also recognized as a contender for Best Female Hip Hop Artist and Video Director of the Year, a category she shares with Patience Foster.
Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist follow closely with five nominations each. Lamar’s recognition includes nods for Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Video of the Year for his collaboration with SZA, titled "luther."
What is the Icon of the Year Award?
BET has selected Teyana Taylor as the recipient of the 2026 Icon of the Year Award. The network cited Taylor’s multi-hyphenate career, which spans work as a choreographer, actress, director, and recording artist. This award is reserved for figures who have significantly shaped contemporary culture. Previous honorees have been selected by the BET Voting Academy, a group of entertainment professionals, journalists, and industry influencers who determine the winners across music, film, and television categories.
What are the new award categories for 2026?
BET introduced two new honors this year to reflect shifts in digital and fashion-forward storytelling:
- The Fashion Vanguard Award: This category recognizes individuals who have influenced global style across film, sports, and music. Nominees include Beyoncé, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Zendaya, Bad Bunny, Doechii, Cardi B, and Teyana Taylor.
- The Pulse Award: This honor highlights creators or digital series that have advanced Black culture online. The inaugural list of nominees features the 85 South Show, Don Lemon, Charlamagne Tha God, Druski, On the Radar, and the R&B Money Podcast, among others.
How to watch the 2026 BET Awards
The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, June 29, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. As confirmed by Paramount Global, the event will air live on BET and will be simulcast across several sister networks, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and TV Land. The production is led by executive producer Connie Orlando, alongside the team at Jesse Collins Entertainment.
Nominations Overview
| Artist | Total Nominations |
|---|---|
| Cardi B | 6 |
| Kendrick Lamar | 5 |
| Mariah the Scientist | 5 |
| Teyana Taylor | 4 |
| Doja Cat | 4 |
| Latto | 4 |
Note: The 2026 nominees were selected by the BET Voting Academy, which comprises professionals from across the media, music, and creative arts sectors.