Teyana Taylor will receive the prestigious “Icon of the Year” award at this year’s BET Awards, in recognition of her cultural influence and creative achievements.
Organizers announced that the 35-year-old artist has been selected as a “multifaceted creative force” whose impact spans across music, film, fashion, and broader cultural spaces.
“Teyana Taylor embodies what it means to be an icon today. She doesn’t wait for a seat at the table — she creates her own,” said Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. She added that Taylor’s influence continues to shape culture and set new standards.
The “Icon of the Year” honor is awarded to artists whose work, presence, and vision define the current cultural moment and leave a lasting impact on the industry.
Taylor first rose to prominence in music with her debut album VII in 2014, while her most recent project Escape Room earned her first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.
Beyond music, she has also made a strong mark in film and television. She won a Golden Globe last year and received an Academy Award nomination for her role in One Battle After Another. She has also appeared in Hulu’s All’s Fair and Netflix’s The Rip.
This year’s BET Awards will take place on June 28 and will be hosted by comedian Druski. The event will also introduce new categories, including “Fashion Vanguard” and “Pulse,” highlighting cultural influence in fashion and Black creative culture.
Organizers also announced that Lauryn Hill will receive a special honor as the first recipient of the “Living Legend Icon” award.
The ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with additional performers, presenters, and guests to be announced in the coming weeks.
