Lugano – Awards season is continuing to heat up as the BET Awards officially revealed this year’s nominations, highlighting some of the biggest names across music.
Leading the list is Cardi B with six nominations, reinforcing another major year for the rapper. She received nods for Album of the Year for “AM I THE DRAMA?”, Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Viewers’ Choice for “Outside”, Best Collaboration for “Errtime Remix” featuring Jeezy and Latto, Video Director of the Year alongside Patientce Foster, and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award, recognizing cultural influence through fashion.
Following closely behind are Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five nominations each.
Kendrick earned recognition for Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for “luther” with SZA, two Best Collaboration nominations including “Chains & Whips” with Clipse, and Viewers’ Choice.
Mariah the Scientist received nominations for Album of the Year for “HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY”, Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Video of the Year for “Burning Blue”, Viewers’Choice, and Best Collaboration for “Is It a Crime” with Kali Uchis.
Artists including Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto each secured four nominations.
This year’s ceremony is also expanding beyond traditional entertainment categories.
BET introduced the new categories as part of a broader effort to reflect how entertainment and influence have expanded beyond traditional music and television recognition.
The Fashion Vanguard Award recognizes artists shaping culture through fashion and personal style, while the Pulse Award highlights creators and digital moments driving conversations across social media and entertainment.
The 2026 BET Awards will air live on June 28, with additional performers, special honorees, and fan voting details expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
