Teyana Taylor received the Icon of the Year Award at the 2026 BET Awards, capping off one of the biggest nights of her career.
Music legend Janet Jackson presented the award to Taylor during the ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, leaving the singer and actress visibly emotional.
Accepting the honor, Taylor reflected on the work that brought her to the moment.
I worked my ass off 20 years for this. So, I am not accepting what I have earned with arrogance; I am accepting what I have earned with gratitude.
BET recognized Taylor for her impact across music, film, fashion, directing, choreography and culture during a career that has spanned two decades. The network describes the Icon of the Year Award as celebrating individuals whose work has made a lasting contribution to music, entertainment, advocacy and community impact.
Taylor’s celebration did not end there.
She also won Best Actress, Video Director of the Year for Escape Room, and the Fashion Vanguard Award, finishing the night tied with hip hop duo Clipse as the ceremony’s most-awarded acts with four wins each.
Hosted by Druski, the 2026 BET Awards celebrated Black excellence across music, film, television and sports.
The ceremony also honored Lauryn Hill with the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, while music executive Sylvia Rhone received the BET Ultimate Icon Award.
Taylor’s emotional acceptance speech, coupled with the surprise presentation by Janet Jackson, became one of the defining moments of the night as she celebrated a career that has evolved from singer and songwriter to one of entertainment’s most versatile creative talents.