Snubs & Surprises at the 2026 BET Awards

It was a night of glamour and celebration at the 2026 BET Awards, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 28. As I watched the ceremony unfold on screen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. It seemed like some of the winners were almost predestined to take home the coveted trophies. Michael B. Jordan, Oscar winner for best actor on March 15, was a shoo-in for the same category at the BET Awards. And he didn't disappoint, walking away with the top honor.

Teyana Taylor, who received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress for One Battle After Another, also took home the award for best actress at the BET Awards. Olivia Dean, who had already won the Grammy Award for best new artist on February 1, repeated her feat at the BET Awards. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar, a five-time Grammy winner earlier this year, won two awards, including his record ninth title as best male hip-hop artist. Lamar's dominance in this category is remarkable, with his nine wins surpassing the combined totals of Drake (four awards) and Ye (formerly Kanye West, with three awards).

But not everything at the BET Awards followed conventional wisdom. Sinners, the movie that received a record 16 Oscar nominations, surprisingly lost the best movie category to One Battle After Another. Despite losing the top Oscar to One Battle After Another, Sinners had a significant advantage at the BET Awards. The movie boasted a Black writer-director, Ryan Coogler, and a predominantly Black cast. This should have given it an edge in the eyes of the BET Awards voters. So, what explains the reversal of fortune?

The answer lies in the value that the BET Awards place on representation. While Sinners may have been a critical darling, One Battle After Another resonated more deeply with the voting body. Perhaps the latter's themes and storylines struck a chord with the audience, making it the more compelling choice for the best movie award. This is a reminder that the BET Awards are not just about celebrating artistic excellence, but also about amplifying the voices and stories of the Black community.

• Kendrick Lamar won two awards, including his record ninth title as best male hip-hop artist.
• Olivia Dean became the fifth artist to take the best new artist prize at both the BET Awards and the Grammys.
• Sinners, despite receiving a record 16 Oscar nominations, lost the best movie category to One Battle After Another.

Looking ahead to future awards ceremonies, the 2026 BET Awards offer valuable lessons on the importance of representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. The voting body's emphasis on amplifying Black voices and stories sends a powerful message about the kind of content that matters most. As the industry continues to evolve, it's essential to recognize and celebrate the contributions of underrepresented communities. The 2026 BET Awards have set the bar high, and future ceremonies will do well to follow their lead.

As I reflect on the 2026 BET Awards, I'm struck by the complexity of the voting process. While some winners were predictable, others came as a surprise. The emphasis on representation and diversity is a welcome development, one that has the potential to shape the entertainment industry for years to come.