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Teyana Taylor Sweeps BET Awards, Joins Motion Picture Academy

6/30/2026

Summary

Teyana Taylor Wins BET

Teyana Taylor won Icon of the Year at the 2026 BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 28, 2026, presented by Janet Jackson.
She also received Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and Fashion Vanguard trophies earlier in the ceremony.
BET announced on June 24, 2026 that she will join the Motion Picture Academy.
Druski hosted the live broadcast on BET and Paramount at 8 p.m.

Summary

BET Launches

Music executive Sylvia Rhone warned that AI threatens creators, stating “We make the algorithm, the algorithm doesn’t make us” in her Icon speech.
BET launched the Fashion Vanguard and Pulse Awards to honor content advancing Black culture.
Comedian Druski became BET’s youngest host, opening the show by descending from the rafters in a harness.
Singer Kehlani’s “Folded” performance featured actor Jamie Foxx on piano and his daughter Anelise on guitar.

History

Historical Context

The BET Awards, launched on June 19 2001 by Black Entertainment Television and hosted by Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer, created a televised platform for Black artists. In 2026, Teyana Taylor won the Icon of the Year award, Sylvia Rhone received the Ultimate Icon award, and Druski hosted, echoing the show’s original multi-talent focus.

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Teyana Taylor Wins BET

Teyana Taylor won Icon of the Year at the 2026 BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 28, 2026, presented by Janet Jackson.
She also received Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and Fashion Vanguard trophies earlier in the ceremony.
BET announced on June 24, 2026 that she will join the Motion Picture Academy.
Druski hosted the live broadcast on BET and Paramount at 8 p.m.

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