BET Awards 2026 nominations are out, and Cardi B leads the pack with six nominations.
The BET Voting Academy selected the nominees. It includes professionals from music, media, sports journalism, digital marketing, public relations, and creative arts.
The awards celebrate excellence across music, television, film, and sports.
Cardi B leads all nominees with six nods. Her nominations include:
- Fashion Vanguard Award
- Best Female Hip Hop Artist
- Album of the Year for AM I THE DRAMA?
- Best Collaboration for “Errtime Remix” featuring Jeezy and Latto
- Video Director of the Year with Patientce Foster
- Viewers’ Choice for “Outside”
Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist each earned five nominations.
Kendrick Lamar’s nominations include:
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist
- Video of the Year for “luther” featuring SZA
- Best Collaboration for “Chains & Whips” with Clipse
- Best Collaboration for “Good Flirts” with Baby Keem & Momo Boyd
- Viewers’ Choice for “Chains & Whips”
Mariah the Scientist’s nominations include:
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
- Album of the Year for HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY
- Video of the Year for “Burning Blue”
- Best Collaboration for “Is It a Crime” featuring Kali Uchis
- Viewers’ Choice for “Burning Blue”
Several artists received four nominations each. They include:
- Doechii
- Doja Cat
- Clipse
- Teyana Taylor
- Olivia Dean
- Latto
Doechii’s nominations include Fashion Vanguard Award, Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for “Anxiety”, and BET Her for “girl, get up” featuring SZA.
Doja Cat’s nominations include Best Collaboration for “Go Girl” with Summer Walker featuring Latto, Best Female Hip Hop Artist, and two BET Her nominations.
Clipse earned Best Group, Best Collaboration for “Chains and Whips” with Kendrick Lamar, Album of the Year for Let God Sort Em Out, and Viewers’ Choice.
Teyana Taylor is nominated for Fashion Vanguard Award, Video of the Year for “Escape Room (Short Film)”, Video Director of the Year, and Best Actress.
Olivia Dean’s nominations include Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, BET Her for “Lady Lady,” and Viewers’ Choice for “Man I Need”.
Latto’s nominations include Best Female Hip Hop Artist, two Best Collaboration nods, and BET Her for “Go Girl”.
Artists with three nominations
A$AP Rocky, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Metro Boomin, SZA, T.I., Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and YK Niece each received three nominations.
BET has added two new categories for 2026.
The Fashion Vanguard Award recognises individuals who shape global fashion culture. Nominees include Beyoncé, Rihanna, Cardi B, Zendaya, A$AP Rocky, Doechii, Bad Bunny, Colman Domingo, and Teyana Taylor.
The Pulse Award honours creators and digital content that influence Black culture online. Nominees include Druski, Charlamagne Tha God, Don Lemon, 85 South Show, It Is What It Is, Joe and Jada, On the Radar, and R&B Money Podcast.
Other notable nominees
Several major artists earned three nominations each, including:
A$AP Rocky, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Metro Boomin, SZA, T.I., Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and YK Niece.
The BET Awards 2026 will air live on June 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
