Teyana Taylor and Clipse Rule the 2026 BET Awards in LA

Teyana Taylor took home the Icon of the Year award at the 2026 BET Awards, held on Sunday, June 28, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The night belonged to her both in trophy count and in emotion, since the honor was handed to her by none other than Janet Jackson, who delivered a surprise performance that brought the house to its feet.

Taylor did not stop there. The same evening she carried off three more competitive awards, for best actress, video director of the year and the fashion vanguard prize. For one person, in a single night, that is a serious haul. The crowd answered with ovations, and clips of her speech and Jackson’s set quickly began circulating online.

Who else took a trophy that night?

Hip-hop duo Clipse were the other big name of the ceremony. They won album of the year for “Let God Sort Em Out”, along with best group and best collaboration. For a pair that has spent years holding a reputation as one of the most respected acts in the genre, this was recognition many had long awaited.

Kendrick Lamar continued his streak. He was named best male hip-hop artist for the ninth time, further cementing his status as one of the most dominant figures at the ceremony over the past decade. Kaliani had her first major night at these awards, winning best R&B/pop artist as well as video of the year for the song “Folded”.

There were more honors to go around. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon award, a recognition that carries special weight for anyone who grew up on her music. Michael B. Jordan was named best actor, rounding out the acting side of the night alongside Taylor’s win on the women’s side.

Why did this particular night resonate so widely?

The BET Awards have for decades been a central stage for Black music, and this year’s edition was especially dense with names that draw attention well beyond the United States. Teyana Taylor has spent years balancing music, acting and fashion, so the Icon of the Year award, paired with four trophies in one night, reads like a crown on that long run of work.

Janet Jackson’s performance gave the whole event added weight. She is an artist who defined entire eras of pop and R&B herself, so the fact that she was the one to hand the award to a younger colleague carries the symbolism of passing the torch. Moments like these are exactly what ceremonies at this level are remembered for, long after the list of winners fades.

Audiences across the region are following these shows more closely, partly because clips are so easy to find, partly because names like Kendrick Lamar, Kaliani and Clipse crossed beyond the American scene long ago. For one night, the spectacle out of Los Angeles became a talking point here too, just as it was in the States.

Who would you crown the biggest surprise of this year’s BET Awards?