Teyana Taylor celebrates major career milestone with Icon of the Year honour

Teyana Taylor is set to be named Icon of the Year at the 2026 BET Awards, cementing her status as one of the most influential forces in music, film and culture.

The 35-year-old multi-talented star will receive the prestigious honour during the live ceremony on Sunday, June 28, broadcast from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

BET executive Connie Orlando hailed Taylor as a “true embodiment of an icon”, praising the way she has reshaped culture on her own terms.

“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,” Orlando said. 

“Her fingerprints are all over culture, and it is an honour to celebrate everything she represents.”

The accolade adds another glittering milestone to her already stacked career, which includes a Golden Globe, two Critics’ Choice Awards and an NAACP Image Award. 

All's Fair star has also earned major nominations for an Oscar, BAFTA and Grammy, and was recently named one of Time’s Women of the Year 2026.

The announcement comes after a headline-making moment at this year’s Oscars, where she was seen confronting a security guard backstage after her Best Picture win for One Battle After Another. 

Footage showed her visibly upset, accusing the guard of being overly aggressive and saying, “Do not touch me.”

Speaking afterwards, she defended her reaction, telling TMZ she simply “doesn’t tolerate disrespect,” especially in heated, high-pressure moments.

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