Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar and More Lead BET Awards 2026 Nominations
Culture’s biggest night has arrived—and so have the stars.
Indeed, Black excellence was on full display on the red carpet at the 2026 BET Awards, the 26th anniversary of the annual event that honors music, film, TV and sports held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles June 28.
Showing off his sleek style, Bow Wow sported a maroon tux paired with a classy black bowtie and matching shoes. His daughter Shai Moss, 15, also joined the Like Mike actor later on the carpet.
For her part, Lizzo dazzled in a sheer brown waterfall gown, which accented her wavy caramel blonde hair that cascaded down to her waist.
Meanwhile, Love Island USA star Amaya Espinal donned a beaded green halter top dress with sheer draping.
Another icon who showed off his fashion prowess on the carpet was Druski, who is hosting this year’s ceremony. And before he sported his maroon suit and matching tie, he emphasized how special it is to host the show.
“I grew up watching the BET Awards,” the comedian said in a statement to Miami Times last month. “To know the comedic legends that hosted before me set the bar so high, I’m just grateful to be a part of the history. But I’m still bringing my brand of comedy to the stage.”
Throughout the night, the event will recognize numerous Black creators and entertainers, including music nominees, TV and film stars and athletes across the board.
Cardi B, who leads the night in nominations with six nods, will perform, while Jill Scott, Kehlani, Tems and T.I.—each of whom have three nominations—will also take the stage. Grammy winner Doechii (four nominations) is also set to perform.
Artists will also be celebrated with three previously-announced awards. Grammy winner Lauryn Hill and nominee Teyana Taylor will be honored with the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award and Icon of the Year Award, respectively. Plus, music industry executive Sylvia Rhone will get the Ultimate Icon Award.
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET
The award show will also introduce the new Pulse Award category, where the likes of journalist Don Lemon and Breakfast Club host Charlamagne Tha God will face off against Keke Palmer for her podcast Baby This Is Keke Palmer, amongst others.
Palmer is also nominated for Best Actress alongside Taylor—previously an Oscar nominee for her performance in One Battle After Another—as well as Angela Bassett, Ayo Edebiri, Chase Infiniti, Coco Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Quinta Brunson and Regina Hall.
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Meanwhile, Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan received a nod for Best Actor alongside Aaron Pierre, Aldis Hodge, Anthony Mackie, Colman Domingo, Damson Idris, Delroy Lindo, Denzel Washington and Sterling K. Brown.
Watch the 2026 BET Awards live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on BET or most Paramount-owned networks, including Paramount+.
For all the stars who showed up and showed out on the red carpet at the event, keep scrolling…
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Kehlani
In CHATS by C.DAM
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Lizzo
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Chloe Bailey
In Valdrin Sahiti
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Gabby Thomas
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Tia Mowry
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Mercy Miller, Master P, Hercy Miller
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Olandria
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Coco Jones
In Basil Soda
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Deon Cole
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Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long
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Flo Milli
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Meagan Tandy
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Jimmy Jam
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Lindsey Diann
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Eric Benet
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Rick Ross
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JaNa Craig
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Bow Wow
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Briana Price
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Madisin Rian
In Le Thanh Hoa
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Kordell Beckham, Serena Page
Amaya Espinal
Kym Whitley
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Johnny Geter
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Loren Lorosa
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Trevor Jackson
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Baadja-Lyne Odums
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Bryan-Michael Cox
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Joey Harris
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The-Dream
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