The 2026 BET Awards red carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles drew A-listers in high fashion. Bow Wow arrived in a maroon tuxedo with a black bowtie and matching shoes, bringing his daughter Shai Moss, 15. The Like Mike actor made it a family moment.
Rick Ross wore an all-black suit layered with diamond jewelry—a statement cross necklace, bracelet, and wristwatch. Amaya Espinal from Love Island USA wore a beaded green halter top dress with sheer draping.
Cardi B leads the night with six nominations and will perform. Jill Scott, Kehlani, Tems, and T.I. each have three nominations and are also performing. Grammy winner Doechii, with four nominations, is set to perform.
The awards honor Black excellence across music, film, TV, and sports. Lauryn Hill will receive the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, Teyana Taylor will receive the Icon of the Year Award, and music exec Sylvia Rhone will receive the Ultimate Icon Award.
A new Pulse Award category is launching, featuring journalist Don Lemon, Breakfast Club's Charlamagne Tha God, and Keke Palmer for her podcast Baby This Is Keke Palmer.
For the full red carpet breakdown and all the celebrity moments, head to E! Online. The awards air live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on BET and Paramount networks.
