American singer-songwriter and actress Teyana Taylor has been named the Icon of the Year by Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards 2026.
Taylor will receive the honour for being a "multi-hyphenate creative force" during the awards ceremony to be held on June 28, the BET announced on Tuesday.
"Teyana Taylor is the embodiment of what it means to be an icon in this moment," Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy at BET, said in a press release.
She added, "She doesn't ask for a seat at the table; she builds the table, designs the rooms, and sets the tone for everyone who walks in. Her fingerprints are all over culture, and it is an honour to celebrate everything she represents on culture's biggest night."
The Icon of the Year award "celebrates the artist who is defining this moment. This distinction belongs to the creative force whose work, presence, and vision are setting the tone right now – someone whose impact isn't measured in years but in the undeniable weight they carry in every room, every conversation, and every corner of the culture they touch," the release read.
Also read: Teyana Taylor reflects on ignoring critics to pursue acting
Teyana first broke out in the music industry with her 2014 debut album “VII”. Her 2025 studio album “Escape Room” secured the singer-songwriter her first-ever Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.
Beyond music, Taylor has built an acclaimed acting career. Her performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's “One Battle After Another” earned her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination. She also expanded her television and film credits with roles in Ryan Murphy’s Hulu series “All’s Fair” and the Netflix thriller “The Rip”.
The BET Awards, hosted by Druski, will air live on June 28 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The list of other honourees, performers, presenters and special guests will be announced over the next few weeks.
Earlier this month, BET announced that Lauryn Hill would receive the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award.
At this year's awards, Cardi B leads the nominations in six categories, followed by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five each. Two new award categories have also been introduced: the Fashion Vanguard Award for cultural impact in fashion and the Pulse Award for a creator, campaign or content series making a powerful impact on Black culture.
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