2026 BET Awards Nominations Announced, Featuring New Categories
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The nominations for the 2026 BET Awards have been revealed, with Cardi B leading the field with six nods. The ceremony will introduce two new categories, the Fashion Vanguard Award and the Pulse Award, which recognizes digital cultural impact. The show will air live on BET on Sunday, June 28.
Facts First
- Cardi B leads with six nominations, including for Album of the Year and the new Fashion Vanguard Award.
- Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist each received five nominations, with Lamar up for Video of the Year and Mariah for Album of the Year.
- The 2026 ceremony introduces two new awards: the Fashion Vanguard Award and the Pulse Award for digital cultural impact.
- The BET Awards will air live on Sunday, June 28, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET.
- Nominations were selected by the BET Voting Academy, a group of entertainment professionals and influencers.
What Happened
The 2026 BET Awards nominations have been announced, with Cardi B receiving a field-leading six nominations. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist each received five nominations. The ceremony will introduce two new categories: the Fashion Vanguard Award and the Pulse Award. The Pulse Award is designed to recognize a creator, campaign, or content series that moved Black culture forward in digital spaces. The show is scheduled to air live on Sunday, June 28, on BET. Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, serves as Executive Producer, with Jesse Collins Entertainment producing the show.
Why this Matters to You
If you follow music, film, sports, or digital culture, the upcoming awards show may highlight the artists and creators shaping the current moment. The introduction of the Pulse Award could signal a broader recognition of how culture is now built and discussed online. The wide range of categories, from music and acting to sports and gospel, means there is likely a nominee or category that aligns with your interests. The live broadcast on June 28 provides a focal point for fans to celebrate and see who wins.
What's Next
The 2026 BET Awards will air live on Sunday, June 28. Voting for categories like Viewers' Choice is now open to the public, which may allow fans to directly influence an award outcome. The successful introduction of the new Fashion Vanguard and Pulse Awards could encourage other award shows to similarly evolve their categories in future years.