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Tag: One Battle After Another

  • 7 Best Moments From the 2026 BET Awards You Didn’t See on Television

    Los Angeles was the epicenter of cultural celebration this past Sunday night as the 2026 BET Awards took center stage at the Peacock Theatre. Hosted by Billboard, the event delivered an unforgettable evening, anchored by heartfelt tributes and explosive performances that showcased the breadth and power of contemporary music.

    The night was a true symphony of talent, featuring a wide range of performers who captivated the audience. From R&B sensations like Kehlani and Tems to hip-hop giants such as Cardi B, Don Toliver, Baby Keem, and T.I., alongside British powerhouse RAYE, the stage was set for musical excellence.

    A significant focus of the evening was honoring the legacies of music legends. Ms. Lauryn Hill received a sprawling tribute, recognizing her status as a living legend icon. This tribute featured some of contemporary music’s biggest stars and her own musician children, including Selah, YG, and Zion Marley, who provided a powerful reggae backbone to the celebration.

    The musical tributes were deeply moving and dynamic. The show kicked off with The War and Treaty performing “Joyful, Joyful,” weaving together gospel and thespian themes that ground Ms. Hill’s remarkable oeuvre. Cross-generational performances followed, as Doja Cat and Nas delivered a joint rendition of “If I Ruled the World.” Lizzo and Rapsody joined forces for a classic groove with “Doo Wop (That Thing),” while Common and Queen Latifah brought energy to the room with “Lost Ones.”

    The celebration extended to honoring another musical giant, D’Angelo. His illustrious backing band, The Vanguard, reunited to support stellar vocalists including RAYE, George Clinton, Ari Lennox, Isaiah Sharley, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Durnad Bernarr, delivering a killer performance of “S—t, Damn, Motherf—er.”

    Beyond music, the ceremony recognized outstanding achievement across various fields. Cardi B, the night’s most-nominated artist, swept the accolades, taking home the new best female hip-hop artist trophy for her third win. Teyana Taylor and Clipse also dominated the night, each securing three wins. The star of One Battle After Another claimed multiple awards, including best actress, video director of the year, and the newly established fashion vanguard award, alongside her honorary Icon of the Year Award.

    The accolades acknowledged powerful group efforts as well. The Virginia-hailing brother duo took home awards for best group, best collaboration for their Kendrick Lamar-assisted “Chains & Whips,” and the album of the year for Let God Sort Em Out.

    Adding further recognition to industry titans, culture-shaping record executive Sylvia Rhone received the Ultimate Icon Award, presented by Kelly Rowland, for her indelible impact on contemporary Black music and the wider industry.

    The awards extended beyond the realm of music. In cinematic recognition, Sinners won best movie. Michael B. Jackson was honored with best actor, and Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks 2026 NBA Finals MVP, was named sportsman of the year.

    Credit: Billboard

  • Snubs & Surprises at the 2026 BET Awards

    The spectacle of awards season often delivers predictable results, but the 2026 BET Awards proved that sometimes the biggest surprises are the most rewarding. Presented at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28, the ceremony showcased a vibrant mix of established talent and exciting new voices, celebrating cinematic triumphs and musical dominance.

    Among the glittering winners was Michael B. Jordan, who brought his acting prowess to the stage, securing the award for Best Star. This win was particularly satisfying, given that he had already cemented his status with an Oscar for Best Actor earlier this year, making the dual recognition a true testament to his undeniable talent.

    The spotlight also shone brightly on Teyana Taylor, who took home Best Actress for her work in One Battle After Another. Her achievement highlights the power of storytelling, proving that dedication and emotional depth translate into high recognition at the highest levels of the industry.

    Not only were the established stars celebrated, but the show also recognized emerging talent. Olivia Dean emerged as a standout, winning the Best New Artist award. This makes her the fifth artist to capture this coveted prize at both the Grammy and BET ceremonies, signaling a strong wave of fresh creativity entering the music landscape.

    The competition in the realm of hip-hop was fierce, with Kendrick Lamar once again demonstrating his commanding presence. He claimed Best Male Hip-Hop Artist for the ninth time, establishing himself as a dominant force whose achievements outpaced those of other highly decorated artists like Drake and Ye.

    Perhaps one of the most intriguing moments of the evening was the recognition given to Sinners for Best Movie. This film earned a record 16 Oscar nominations, yet it didn’t take the top prize. The reversal of fortune is fascinating: while it missed the highest accolade, the film’s success speaks volumes about its compelling narrative and creative vision. Furthermore, the film’s recognition was amplified by the fact that it was helmed by a Black writer and director, Ryan Coogler, and boasted a predominantly Black cast.

    These results underscore a crucial point: not every award ceremony adheres strictly to conventional wisdom. The 2026 BET Awards delivered more than just winners; they provided a compelling narrative about creative achievement, demonstrating that true artistic merit often defies expectations and rewards the boldest stories in Hollywood and music.

    Credit: Billboard

  • Janet Jackson Presents Teyana Taylor With Icon of the Year Award at 2026 BET Awards: ‘I Will Wear This Title Loud & Proud’

    Teyana Taylor recently claimed the prestigious Icon of the Year Award at the 2026 BET Awards, an accolade that brought a wave of emotion and reflection to the red carpet.

    The night culminated in a deeply moving moment when Janet Jackson made a surprise appearance to present the award to Taylor. This gesture instantly connected two figures who share a profound history, sparking visible emotion as Jackson shared heartfelt words about Taylor’s journey.

    “It seems like only yesterday, our rose from Harlem grew out of the concrete and blossomed into our Icon of the Year,” Jackson gushed. “Watching you defy expectations, rewrite the rules, and lead with an unstoppable work ethic has been incredible.”

    For Taylor, the moment was overwhelming. Overcome with emotion, she wiped away her tears and accepted the honor, but she made sure to share a moment of gratitude back to her inspiration.

    “I love you so much,” Taylor told Jackson. “Thank you for always seeing me. Thank you for every text, every hug, every talk. You are my biggest inspiration. There would be no me without you.”

    The exchange underscored the deep bond between the two stars, illustrating how personal history fuels artistic success. Taylor reflected on the achievement, acknowledging that her triumph was earned through dedication rather than arrogance.

    “Tonight they handed me a title and that title is Icon of the Year,” she stated. “I worked my a–off for this, so I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance; I’m accepting it with gratitude.”

    Refusing to let the success overshadow her values, Taylor urged others to understand that helping others does not diminish one’s own light. She promised to wear her title proudly while continuing to pour positivity into her community.

    Taylor’s career continues to be marked by significant achievements beyond the BET Awards recognition. She recently starred in the Oscar-winning film One Battle After Another, earning a Golden Globe nomination and Academy Award nomination for her performance as Perfidia. Furthermore, she released her highly successful Escape Room album, which debuted strongly on the Billboard 200 chart.

    The celebration also recognized other talent in the industry; Spike Tee was honored with additional BET Awards, including recognition for video director of the year, the fashion vanguard award, and best actress.

    Credit: Billboard