BET Awards 2026: Full list of winners

The 2026 BET Awards held on Sunday, a night to remember for the Black community, recognized outstanding achievements in music, film, television, and sports. Among the winners were Tems, Kehlani, and T.I., taking home the award for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best Female Hip Hop Artist, and Video of the Year respectively. These wins not only solidify their positions in the industry but also pave the way for future generations of Black artists.

The 2026 BET Awards saw the introduction of two new categories: Fashion Vanguard Award and The Pulse Award. These categories acknowledge the growing influence of Black creatives in the fashion and media industries. The Fashion Vanguard Award winners include Beyoncé and Rihanna, while Keke Palmer and Charlamagne Tha God received The Pulse Award. These recognitions demonstrate the importance of celebrating emerging talent and their contributions to the Black community.

The 2026 BET Awards showcased the growing influence of Afrobeats in the global music scene. Wizkid, a Nigerian artist, collaborated with Asake to win the award for Best Group. This win marks a significant milestone in Afrobeats' global recognition and highlights the genre's growing popularity among mainstream audiences. The collaboration between A$AP Rocky and Burna Boy on the track "wgft" also demonstrates the increasing crossover appeal of Afrobeats.

Hip-hop continues to dominate the BET Awards, with Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole being among the top winners. Their critically acclaimed albums and singles have cemented their positions as two of the most respected artists in the genre. Their wins serve as evidence of the enduring power of hip-hop and its ability to transcend generations.

The 2026 BET Awards saw a surge in recognition for female artists, with Cardi B and Doechii being among the top winners. Their wins demonstrate the growing influence of female artists in the music industry and highlight the importance of celebrating their contributions to the Black community. The recognition of Tems and Kehlani as Best Female R&B/Pop Artist further solidifies the momentum behind the female empowerment movement.

The 2026 BET Awards marks a significant shift in the music industry, with Afrobeats emerging as a major force. This development challenges the conventional wisdom that traditional hip-hop is the dominant genre. The wins of Wizkid and Asake demonstrate the growing popularity of Afrobeats and highlight the need for the industry to adapt to changing musical tastes.

As the music industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the 2026 BET Awards will be remembered as a milestone in the recognition of Black excellence. With the rise of Afrobeats and the dominance of female artists, the future of the music industry looks brighter than ever.