How to watch the BET Awards 2026 live for free: Time, host, nominees

Culture's Biggest Night is back. The BET Awards, honoring the best Black music, TV, movies, and sports of the past year, are tonight, June 28, at 8 p.m. ET. The ceremony takes place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will air on BET; comedian Druski will host the show for the first time.

Cardi B leads the nominations with six, while Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist have five nods each. Nominations were announced on May 19 and span major categories including Album of the Year, Video of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Movie, and acting and sports awards.

In addition to 21 awards being presented, the Ultimate Icon Award will go to record executive Sylvia Rhone. Two new honors have been handed out: Teyana Taylor is the inaugural Icon of the Year and Lauryn Hill is the first Living Legend Icon Award winner. Performers on the main show include Cardi B, Doechii, Doja Cat, Common, Nas, Queen Latifah, Raye, Rick Ross, T.I.

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