Teyana Taylor is set to receive one of the biggest honors of her career. The 35-year-old entertainer will be named Icon of the Year at the 2026 BET Awards, broadcast live on Sunday, June 28, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
What the honor means for Teyana Taylor
BET Networks executive Connie Orlando made the announcement, describing Taylor as someone who does not simply seek a place in the room but builds it from the ground up. Orlando credited her with setting the tone for culture at large, calling the recognition a celebration of everything Taylor represents.
Additional honorees, performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
A career defined by accolades
The Icon of the Year distinction joins a remarkable list of recognition Taylor has earned in recent years, including a Golden Globe, two Critics Choice Awards and an NAACP Image Award. She has also received nominations for an Oscar, BAFTA, Grammy and more, and was named one of Time magazine’s Women of the Year in 2026.
The Oscars moment that made headlines
The BET honor follows a widely discussed moment at this year’s Academy Awards, where Taylor was part of the cast that won Best Picture for One Battle After Another. Backstage, she confronted a security guard after saying he physically handled her without cause. She addressed him directly, telling those nearby that the contact was unacceptable.
Speaking afterward, Taylor described the situation as disrespectful, unwarranted and unprovoked, making clear she does not tolerate that kind of treatment under any circumstances.
What comes next
At 35, Taylor shows no signs of slowing down. The 2026 BET Awards air live Sunday, June 28, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.