The 2026 BET Awards is now streaming on Paramount+. If you missed the live broadcast on BET and its sister cable networks, you can watch the full ceremony on demand beginning today (Monday, June 29).
Hosted by TikTok-creator-turned-mega-entertainer Druski, this year’s show features nominees including Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, Mariah the Scientist, Doechii, Teyana Taylor, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the 2026 BET Awards, including when it airs, where to stream it, and what to expect from Culture’s Biggest Night.
Key facts
- Original broadcast: June 28, 2026
- Venue: Peacock Theater, Los Angeles
- Host: Druski
- Streaming on demand: Paramount+, starting Monday, June 29, 2026
How to stream the BET Awards on Paramount+
The BET Awards 2026 is now streaming on Paramount+ with a subscription to any plan. Plans start at $8.99 a month.
Paramount+, the new home of BET+. is the option for viewers who missed the live broadcast on BET, and want to watch the full ceremony on demand, including performances, award presentations, and other moments from the broadcast. It’s also the best bet for viewers who caught the live ceremony, and want to rewatch their favorite moments.
When and where was the ceremony?
The 2026 BET Awards took place June 28, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony aired live on BET, and was simulcast across the following cable networks: BET HER, CMT, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, POP, VH1, Comedy Central, and TV Land.
The Peacock Theater has hosted the BET Awards for several years, and remains one of the show’s regular venues.
The ceremony was part of BET’s annual Culture’s Biggest Week celebration. BET Experience 2026, also known as BETX, took place June 25-27. 2026, and featured fan events leading up to the awards show.
Who hosted and who was honored?
Druski hosted the BET Awards 2026 from Los Angeles. Hip-hop legend MC Lyte returned as announcer for the night.
GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® Hall of Famer Ms. Lauryn Hill (“Ex-Factor”) received the Living Legend Icon Award, music executive Sylvia Rhone, who managed the likes of Brandy, MC Lyte, and En Vogue, received the Ultimate Icon Award, and one Janet Jackson presented Oscar®-nominated actress and GRAMMY®-nominated singer Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another) with the Icon of the Year Award.
“Oh, my God …” a shocked Taylor said. “They did not tell me Janet was coming …”
In addition to her honorary award, Taylor won three competitive awards, including one for video director the year.
Druski hosts center stage
Druski hosted the BET Awards 2026 — at age 31, becoming the youngest host in the history of the show.
The comedian and content creator built his audience through online comedy sketches before expanding into live tours and entertainment projects. He has worked with artists, athletes, and creators across music, sports, and television.
Hosting is just one of his roles on awards night. Druski was also a winner in the new Pulse Award category, which recognizes creators and content that influenced conversation across digital platforms.
The biggest nominees, performers and categories
The BET Awards nominations recognize artists, actors, athletes, and creators across music, television, film, sports, and digital media. This year’s ballot also introduced two new categories that recognize fashion and digital culture: the Fashion Vanguard Award and the Pulse Award.
Top nominees
Cardi B led all nominees with six nominations. Her nominations include Album of the Year for AM I THE DRAMA?, Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Best Collaboration, Viewers’ Choice, Video Director of the Year, and the new Fashion Vanguard Award category.
Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist followed with five nominations each.
Performers
Cardi B took the stage to prove why she led this year’s nominees with six.
Other performers included actor and rapper Common, rap phenom Doechii, Don Toliver, French Montana, and Max B.
Kehlani, the legendary Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I., husband and wife country duo The War And Treaty, and up-and-comer kwn all shared their talents on Culture’s Biggest Night.
New categories
The BET Awards 2026 added two new categories: Fashion Vanguard Award and Pulse Award.
The Fashion Vanguard Award recognizes individuals whose influence on fashion has shaped culture, style, and storytelling across entertainment, sports, film, and public life.
The Pulse Award recognizes creators, campaigns, and content that influenced conversation and community across digital platforms.
What to expect from Culture’s Biggest Night
The BET Awards remains one of television’s largest annual celebrations of Black achievement across entertainment and sports.
This year’s ceremony featured award presentations, live performances, celebrity appearances, and tributes. The new Fashion Vanguard Award and Pulse Award made their debut, recognizing excellence in fashion and digital culture.
What are the BET Awards?
The BET Awards is an annual awards show that recognizes achievements across music, film, television, sports, and culture.
The event honors artists, entertainers, athletes, and creators whose work influences culture across multiple industries.
The 2026 ceremony continued that tradition as the centerpiece of BET’s Culture’s Biggest Week programming.
Watch the BET Awards on Paramount+
The BET Awards 2026 is now streaming on Paramount+. If you missed the live broadcast, Paramount+ is the way to watch the full ceremony on demand, including performances, award presentations, and the night’s major moments.
FAQ
Is the BET Awards 2026 streaming on Paramount+?
Yes. The BET Awards 2026 is now streaming on Paramount+ with a subscription. Paramount+ offers the full ceremony on demand.
Can I watch the BET Awards without cable?
Yes. You can watch the BET Awards without cable. The show is now streaming on demand on Paramount+.
Who is hosting this year’s show?
Druski hosted the BET Awards 2026. The comedian and content creator is the youngest host in the history of the awards show. MC Lyte returned as announcer.
Who is performing?
Cardi B, Doechii, Common, and Queen Latifah were among this year’s BET Awards performers.
Who has the most nominations?
Cardi B led the field with six nominations. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist each received five nominations. Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto earned four nominations each.
Where are the BET Awards being held?
The BET Awards 2026 were held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
