Sunday, June 28, is almost upon us, and if you haven't been paying attention, don't sweat it. We got you. 

The BET Awards are back, and this year's show is stacking up to be one for the books. From a wild-card host to two legends getting their flowers, here's everything you need to know before the lights go up at the Peacock Theater.

What are the BET Awards?

Now in its 26th year, the BET Awards are Black Entertainment Television's annual celebration of the biggest names in music, film, TV, and sports. Think of it as the Super Bowl of Black culture. It’s one night where the community comes together to honor who's been running things. It's loud, it's live, and historically, the performances (and the hosts) go crazy.

When and where is it happening?

Sunday, June 28, 2026. 8 pm et/pt. Circle it, set an alarm, tattoo it on your wrist — whatever it takes. The show broadcasts live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and if you're planning on tuning in from your couch, you've got options (more on that in a sec).

Who’s hosting this year?

This year's host is none other than Druski, a comedian, content creator, and certified internet sensation. BET tapped him to hold down Culture's Biggest Night, and he's already been doing the most in the best way possible, literally showing up at celebrities' front doors with gospel choirs to personally hand-deliver invitations. At 35, Druski is the youngest person ever to host the BET Awards, and if his promos are any indication, he's coming to play.

Who is getting honored?

Three massive moments are locked in for the night.

Teyana Taylor will receive the Icon of the Year Award, sponsored by Hyundai. This is more than music. Taylor has spent the last few years becoming a full cultural force: Golden Globe winner, Academy Award nominee, director, choreographer, style icon, and still somehow one of the most gifted vocalists in the game. BET's EVP Connie Orlando said it best, "She doesn't ask for a seat at the table; she builds the table." That tribute performance is going to be something.

Then there's Ms. Lauryn Hill, who will receive the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, sponsored by Sprite. “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” came out nearly 30 years ago and still sounds like it was made yesterday. Honoring Hill is the culture doing what it should.

Also being honored is Sylvia Rhone, a visionary executive who made history as the first Black woman to lead a major record company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation. Across decades and a remarkable string of leadership roles (Epic Records, Atlantic, Elektra, Universal Motown, and more), Rhone built an unmatched legacy of discovering and developing some of the most iconic artists in music, from Missy Elliott and Erykah Badu to Lil Wayne, Tracy Chapman, Brandy, Stevie Wonder, and Travis Scott.

Who’s nominated?
Cardi B is leading the pack this year with six nominations, including Best Female Hip Hop Artist and Album of the Year for “Am I The Drama?” Right behind her are Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five nominations each. Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto each pulled four nods, while SZA, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Kehlani, Metro Boomin, and more are all in the mix with three.

The film side is equally stacked. “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” and “Wicked: For Good” are all nominated for Best Movie, and Michael B. Jordan is in the running for Best Actor following his Oscar win for “Sinners.”

Two brand-new categories also make their debut this year: the Fashion Vanguard Award (think Beyoncé, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Zendaya — the whole style pantheon is nominated) and the Pulse Award, honoring the creator or campaign making the biggest cultural impact on Black culture right now. See the full list of nominees here.

Where can I watch?
You don't need cable to catch the show. The BET Awards will be simulcast on a whole lineup of channels: BET, BET HER, CMT, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount, POP, VH1, Comedy Central, and TV Land. If you've got a TV, a streaming package, or a cousin with a password — you're in there!

Is the BET Experience still a thing?
The awards show is the finale. BET Experience 2026 runs from June 25–27, with concerts, fan activations, and live events leading up to show night. The fan fest is happening at The Beehive on Friday and Saturday. If you're in LA, this is the weekend to be outside!

Whether you're a ride-or-die who watches every year or someone who just wants to catch the highlights on Monday morning, the 2026 BET Awards are worth your time. Druski's going to keep it chaotic. Teyana and Lauryn are going to make you emotional. And with Cardi B, Kendrick, Mariah the Scientist, and a stacked nominee list fighting it out for the hardware, the wins mean everything this year.

Tune in Sunday, June 28, at 8 pm et/pt. Don't miss it.