Jun
10,
2026
Teyana Taylor is set to be honored as Icon of the Year by BET later this month, recognizing her evolution from breakout recording artist to one of entertainment’s most dynamic multi-hyphenates working today.
The award celebrates Taylor’s impact across music, film, choreography, directing, and fashion — a career that has consistently blurred the lines between performance and creative direction. Known for her genre-defying artistry and bold visual storytelling, Taylor has built a reputation as a creator who shapes her own narrative both in front of and behind the camera.
Rising to prominence with her 2014 debut album VII and later projects including K.T.S.E. and The Album, Taylor has consistently pushed creative boundaries in R&B while cultivating a strong visual identity that extends into her film and choreography work. Her performances — often praised for their precision, athleticism, and emotional depth — have become defining moments in contemporary music culture.
Beyond music, Taylor has steadily expanded her influence in Hollywood. Her acting credits include roles in Coming 2 America, The Book of Clarence, A Thousand and One and The Rip. Most recently, she won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress and was nominated for an Academy Award for Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another.”
“Teyana Taylor is the embodiment of what it means to be an icon in this moment,” states Connie Orlando, EVP, specials, music programming & music strategy at BET. “She doesn’t ask for a seat at the table; she builds the table, designs the rooms, and sets the tone for everyone who walks in. Her fingerprints are all over culture, and it is an honor to celebrate everything she represents on Culture’s Biggest Night.”
The BET Awards will take place Sunday, June 28, 2026 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
