The 2026 BET Awards: A Night of Firsts, Icons, and Star Power
The 2026 BET Awards are scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 28, at 8 p.m. ET at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony will be hosted by comedian Druski for the first time and will air on BET.
Awards and Honors
A total of 21 awards will be presented. Three special honors will be awarded during the ceremony:
- Sylvia Rhone will receive the Ultimate Icon Award.
- Teyana Taylor will receive the newly established Icon of the Year award.
- Ms. Lauryn Hill will receive the newly established Living Legend Icon Award.
Nominees
Cardi B leads the nominations with six nods. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist each received five nominations. Categories include Album of the Year, Video of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Movie, Best Actor, Best Actress, Sportswoman of the Year, and Sportsman of the Year.
Performers
The scheduled performers include a powerhouse lineup:
- Cardi B
- Common
- Doechii
- Don Toliver
- French Montana
- Kehlani
- KWN
- Max B
- Nas
- Queen Latifah
- Rapsody
- RAYE
- Rick Ross
- Tems
- T.I.
- The War and Treaty
- Alexia Jayy
- Ari Lennox
- Baby Keem
- BJ the Chicago Kid
- Durand Bernarr
- Erica Campbell
- George Clinton
- Le’Andria Johnson
Presenters
The following individuals are scheduled to present awards:
- Carl Anthony Payne II
- Chlöe Bailey
- Chris “Comedian CP” Powell
- Deon Cole
- DeRay Davis
- Diarra Kilpatrick
- Gail Bean
- Isaiah John
- Jaafar Jackson
- Jacob Latimore
- Keke Palmer
- Kelly Rowland
- Latto
- Luke James
- Nia Long
Viewing Options
The ceremony can be watched on BET. Streaming options include DIRECTV (offering a five-day free trial) and Philo (starting at $25 per month after a seven-day free trial).