American actress and singer Teyana Taylor, rapper Cardi B and hip-hop star Kendrick Lamar emerged among the biggest winners at the 2026 BET Awards on Sunday. Taylor and hip-hop duo Clipse led the ceremony with three awards each at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

Teyana Taylor, Clipse lead winners

Taylor won Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the new Fashion Vanguard Award. Organisers also honoured her with the prestigious Icon of the Year award.

Clipse dominated the music categories. The duo won Album of the Year for Let God Sort Em Out, Best Group and Best Collaboration for “Chains & Whips” with Kendrick Lamar.

Lamar also won Best Male Hip Hop Artist for a record ninth time. The latest victory strengthened his lead as the most decorated artist in the category.

Cardi B claimed Best Female Hip Hop Artist. It marked her third career win and her first in the category since 2019.

Kehlani and Olivia Dean record major wins

Kehlani won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist for the first time. She ended SZA’s three-year reign in the category. She also won Video of the Year for “Folded.”

British singer Olivia Dean won Best New Artist. She became only the fifth artist to win the category at both the Grammy Awards and the BET Awards.

Leon Thomas claimed Best Male R&B/Pop Artist for the first time. He beat former winners Chris Brown, Usher and Bruno Mars.

Film, sports and other honours

Sinners won Best Movie, while Michael B. Jordan received the Best Actor award for his role in the film.

Music legend Ms Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award. Veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone took home the Ultimate Icon Award.

Sixteen-year-old journalist Jazlyn Guerra, known as Jazzy’s World TV, won the YoungStars Award.

Other winners included Lecrae, Killer Mike and T.I., whose “Headphones” won the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award. Doechii featuring SZA won the BET Her Award for “girl, get up.” Mariah the Scientist claimed the Viewers’ Choice Award for “Burning Blue.”

Despite several nominations, Doja Cat, Latto, Tems, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, A$AP Rocky, Bryson Tiller, Jill Scott, Metro Boomin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and YK Niece did not win any awards.