The 2026 BET Awards celebrated another remarkable year for Black excellence in entertainment, music, film and sports, with Ryan Coogler’s blockbuster film, Sinners, emerging as one of the night’s biggest winners.
Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and hosted by comedian Druski, the annual awards honoured outstanding achievements across multiple categories. While music stars, Teyana Taylor, and hip-hop duo, Clipse, dominated the competitive awards, Sinners reinforced its remarkable awards-season run by taking home the coveted Best Movie award, while its lead star, Michael B. Jordan, secured the Best Actor trophy.
The wins add to what has already been an extraordinary year for the supernatural thriller, which continues to earn recognition after its strong critical and commercial success.
Sinners Continues its Impressive Awards Streak
After becoming one of the year’s most celebrated films, Sinners added another major accolade at the BET Awards by defeating a competitive lineup that included One Battle After Another, Wicked: For Good and several other acclaimed productions.
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Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film has enjoyed an exceptional awards campaign, receiving widespread praise for its storytelling, performances and production. Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal in the film also earned him another Best Actor victory, further cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished leading men.
Jordan’s latest BET Award adds to an already impressive collection of honours and reflects the impact Sinners has had with both audiences and critics throughout the year.
Beyond film, the ceremony also recognised achievements across music and culture. Teyana Taylor enjoyed a standout evening, winning Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and the inaugural Fashion Vanguard Award before also receiving the honorary Icon of the Year Award.Hip-hop duo, Clipse, also dominated the music categories with wins for Album of the Year, Best Group and Best Collaboration alongside Kendrick Lamar.
Music Stars Dominate Culture’s Biggest Night
Kendrick Lamar continued his remarkable run by winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist, while Cardi B claimed Best Female Hip Hop ArtistKehlani secured two victories, winning Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for “Folded”. Leon Thomas earned his first BET Award as Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, while British singer Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist.
The ceremony also introduced two new honours. Teyana Taylor became the first recipient of the Fashion Vanguard Award, recognising her influence on style and creative expression, while comedian Druski received the inaugural Pulse Award for his growing impact across digital media and entertainment.
Special recognition was also given to music legends. Ms. Lauryn Hill received the Living Legend Icon Award, while veteran music executive, Sylvia Rhone, was honoured with the Ultimate Icon Award.
Although Nigerian stars like Tems, Wizkid, Asake and Burna Boy received nominations across various categories, none secured a competitive win this year. Tems, however, joined an impressive lineup of performers during the live broadcast.
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Full List of Major Winners at the 2026 BET Awards
Here are the major winners from the 2026 BET Awards:
- Album of the Year: Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Kehlani
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Leon Thomas
- Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Cardi B
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Best Group: ClipseBest Collaboration: “Chains & Whips” – Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar
- Best New Artist: Olivia Dean
- Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: “Headphones” – Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I.
- BET Her Award: “Girl, get up” – Doechii featuring SZA
- Viewers’ Choice Award: “Burning Blue” – Mariah the Scientist
- Video of the Year: “Folded” – Kehlani
- Video Director of the Year: Teyana Taylor
- Best Movie: Sinners
- Best Actress: Teyana Taylor
- Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan
- Fashion Vanguard Award: Teyana Taylor
- Pulse Award: DruskiYoung
- Stars Award: Jazzy’s World TV
- Sportswoman of the Year: A’ja Wilson
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Brunson
As the curtain closed on the 2026 BET Awards, the ceremony once again highlighted the depth of talent shaping Black entertainment worldwide. For Sinners and Michael B. Jordan, the latest wins further strengthen an already historic year, while artists like Teyana Taylor, Clipse and Kendrick Lamar continue to redefine excellence across music, film and culture.
Which win surprised you the most at the 2026 BET Awards? Let us know in the comments, share this story with fellow entertainment lovers, and keep following RefinedNG for more updates on the biggest moments from the world of entertainment.