The 4th Annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée is one of the most anticipated cultural moments of the year. The event celebrates the brilliance and impact of the Black LGBTQ+ and ally community. Here are 10 things to know before the big night.

The Black + Iconic Soirée is set for Saturday, May 23, 2026, at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The venue, just outside Washington, D.C., has become a go-to destination for some of the biggest Black entertainment events of the year.

Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and advocate Laverne Cox is back to host the evening. The "Orange Is the New Black" star has been a longtime advocate for Black LGBTQ+ visibility, and her presence sets the tone for the entire night.

Lavelle Dontae returns as Red Carpet Host. Expect bold fashion, candid interviews, and standout moments before guests even step inside the venue.

Actress and media personality TS Madison is being honored with the Miss Major's Pioneer of the Year award. The award is named after Black transgender activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a Stonewall veteran. Madison has spent years using her platform to amplify Black trans voices and create space for queer storytelling.

Damon Jones, Chief Communications Officer at Procter & Gamble, is the recipient of this year's Executive Realness Award. Jones has been a powerful corporate voice for inclusion and equity in one of the largest consumer brands in the world.

Host, politician, and media disruptor Jason Lee takes home the Culture Trailblazer Award. Lee has built his platform on giving the culture unfiltered conversations and breaking news first.

Actor Marquise Vilson Balenciaga receives the Active Advocate Award. Known for his work both on screen and in the ballroom community, Balenciaga has used his visibility to push for greater representation of Black trans men in entertainment and beyond.

BET has tapped a roster of fan-favorite stars to present this year's awards. The presenters include:

• Amara La Negra ("Love & Hip Hop: Miami," BET/VH1)

• Bryan Terrell Clark ("Diarra From Detroit," BET+)

• Carter The Body ("All the Queen's Men," BET/VH1)

• Eva Marcille ("All The Queen's Men," BET+)

• Ty Young ("Basketball Wives," BET/VH1)

This year's Black + Iconic Soirée is sponsored by Gilead Sciences and supported by Procter & Gamble. Both companies have a long history of investing in equity and inclusive storytelling. Rashad Burgess, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Gilead Sciences, said in a statement that the partnership reflects Gilead's commitment to confronting stigma and removing barriers to care.

"As we enter our fourth year partnering with BET's Black & Iconic, Gilead Sciences is proud to continue supporting platforms that elevate culture, amplify trusted voices, and strengthen connections across Black communities," Burgess said. "Our work at Gilead is grounded in the belief that scientific breakthroughs only matter if they reach the people they are designed to serve. Through sustained partnerships like this, we're helping confront stigma, remove barriers to care, and advance healthier, more equitable futures."

Black + Iconic is more than an awards show. The event amplifies Black queer joy, highlights leaders shaping culture, and creates space for the intersection of Blackness, queerness, and allyship. Expect unforgettable performances, bold red carpet moments, and a celebration rooted in authenticity and community.

The 4th Annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée airs Saturday, May 23. Keep it locked to BET.com for all the latest coverage from the red carpet to the after-party.