The 2026 BET Awards brought some of the biggest names in Black entertainment to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles for a night filled with memorable performances, emotional speeches and legendary tributes.

Hosted by Druski on Sunday, June 28, the ceremony celebrated excellence across music, television, film and sports. Cardi B commanded the stage, Teyana Taylor emerged as the night’s biggest winner and Lauryn Hill received an all-star tribute honoring her lasting influence.

Here are the biggest 2026 BET Awards highlights from the star-studded ceremony.

Teyana Taylor received one of the night’s highest honors when Janet Jackson surprised her with the Icon of the Year Award.

Jackson described Taylor as a “creative force” and praised her work as a singer, actress, director and choreographer.

An emotional Taylor embraced Jackson before admitting she had no idea one of her biggest inspirations would be presenting the award.

“There would be no me without you,” Taylor told Jackson.

Taylor also reflected on her two-decade career and explained that she was accepting the recognition with gratitude rather than arrogance.

The multitalented artist collected four awards during the 2026 BET Awards, making her the ceremony’s biggest winner.

Doechii created another viral moment after winning Best Female Rap Artist.

As music began playing to signal the end of her acceptance speech, Doechii stopped and made it clear that she had not finished speaking.

The moment quickly gained attention online as fans praised the rapper for ensuring her full message was heard during the live ceremony.

Doechii’s acceptance speech became one of the most discussed 2026 BET Awards highlights of the night.

Cardi B skipped the BET Awards red carpet but made sure her stage entrance became one of the night’s standout moments.

The Bronx rapper debuted bright red hair while performing music from her latest album, Am I the Drama?

Cardi opened her set on top of a motorcycle before performing “Hello,” “Check Please,” “Errtime” and “Pretty & Petty.”

She completed the futuristic performance in a corset, dramatic purple coat and thigh-high boots.

Cardi B later added another major moment to the night by winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist.

Druski kept the audience entertained throughout his first appearance as BET Awards host.

During the show, the comedian gave a playful shoutout to Love Island USA fan favorite Olandria Carthen.

The unexpected reality television crossover earned cheers inside the Peacock Theater and quickly became a trending moment among viewers online.

Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award following a nearly 20-minute musical tribute celebrating her career.

SZA, Doechii, Doja Cat, Nas, Queen Latifah and Common were among the stars who performed reimagined versions of songs from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and The Score.

Hill then surprised the crowd by joining the tribute and performing “Ex-Factor” and “Everything Is Everything.”

Ice Cube presented Lauryn Hill with the Living Legend Icon Award before she delivered an emotional speech about creating music from a place of love.

The all-star Lauryn Hill tribute was widely regarded as one of the most memorable moments from the 2026 BET Awards.

Lizzo also took part in the Lauryn Hill tribute with a performance of “Nothing Even Matters.”

She later returned to help celebrate Hill’s impact on music while sharing an uplifting message about Black artistry, unity and community.

Lizzo encouraged viewers to continue supporting one another and protecting spaces that allow Black artists to thrive.

Her remarks earned positive reactions from fans and added another emotional moment to a ceremony filled with major celebrations.