They Arrived! 2026 BET Awards Nominations

Photo; BET Website

BET has released the nominations for its 2026 award show, and Cardi B is leading the way. The May 19 announcement showed Cardi B earned 6 nominations.

After the Bronx native is L.A. native Kendrick Lamar and Atlanta native Mariah the Scientist who each received 5 nominations. The 2026 BET Awards will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and air live on June 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET.

Ahead of the award show will be the BET Experience 2026 (BETX) which will return from June 25 to June 27. The weekend will bring fans three days of immersive events and live experiences as part of what the network calls “Culture’s Biggest Week.” 

This year’s ceremony will also introduce two new categories. The newly launched Pulse Award will recognize impactful voices in media and podcasting, with nominees including 85 South Show, This Is Keke Palmer, R&B Money Podcast, and more.