Kendrick Lamar strengthened his status as the most decorated winner in the Best Male Hip Hop Artist category after claiming a record-extending ninth title at the 2026 BET Awards.
The ceremony, hosted by comedian Druski, took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, United States of America on Sunday.
It celebrated the biggest names in Black entertainment, music, sports and pop culture.
Lamar added another trophy by sharing the Best Collaboration award with hip-hop duo Clipse for their hit song, Chains & Whips, taking his haul for the night to two awards.
While Lamar continued his dominance, Teyana Taylor and Clipse emerged as the biggest winners of the night with three awards each.
Taylor won Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award. She also received the honorary Icon of the Year recognition, capping an outstanding night.
Clipse swept the music categories, winning Album of the Year for Let God Sort ‘Em Out, Best Group and Best Collaboration with Lamar.
Cardi B, who entered the ceremony with six nominations, claimed the Best Female Hip Hop Artist award for the third time in her career and her first victory in the category since consecutive wins in 2018 and 2019.
Kehlani enjoyed a memorable evening, ending SZA’s three-year reign as Best Female R&B/Pop Artist before also winning Video of the Year for Folded.
Leon Thomas claimed his first BET Award after emerging as Best Male R&B/Pop Artist ahead of former winners Chris Brown, Usher and Bruno Mars.
British singer Olivia Dean continued her breakthrough year by winning Best New Artist, becoming only the fifth artiste to win the category at both the Grammy Awards and BET Awards.
In the film categories, Sinners won Best Movie, while Michael B. Jordan collected the Best Actor award for his performance in the film, marking his fourth win in the category.
Music legend Ms. Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, while veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone was honoured with the Ultimate Icon Award.
Sixteen-year-old entertainment journalist Jazlyn Guerra, popularly known as Jazzy’s World TV, won the YoungStars Award in recognition of her celebrity interviews and growing influence in entertainment journalism.
Basketball stars A’ja Wilson and Jalen Brunson were named Sportswoman of the Year and Sportsman of the Year respectively.
Full list of winners
Music Categories
Album of the Year – Let God Sort ‘Em Out — Clipse
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – Kehlani
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Leon Thomas
Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Cardi B
Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
Best Group – Clipse
Best Collaboration – Chains & Whips — Clipse & Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist – Olivia Dean
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – Headphones — Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I.
BET Her Award – girl, get up. — Doechii feat. SZA
Viewers’ Choice Award – Burning Blue — Mariah the Scientist
Video of the Year – Folded — Kehlani
Video Director of the Year – Teyana “Spike-Tey” Taylor
