Cardi B Leads BET Awards 2026 Nods with Six Nominations

Cardi B is once again proving her reign in hip-hop, leading the pack for the 26th annual BET Awards with a formidable six nominations. The Bronx-born superstar's impressive haul was announced on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable night celebrating Black excellence in entertainment.

The highly anticipated awards show is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, and will unfold at the iconic Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. Comedian Druski is slated to take the stage as host for the very first time, bringing his unique brand of humor to the prestigious event. Cardi B, whose birth name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, has garnered recognition across some of the most competitive categories, highlighting her continued impact on music and culture.

Her nominations include a coveted spot for Album of the Year for her project *AM I THE DRAMA?*, a testament to her consistent artistic output. She also earned a nod for Best Female Hip Hop Artist, a category she has frequently dominated. Her track “Outside” is up for Viewers' Choice, while her collaboration “Errtime Remix,” featuring Jeezy and Latto, is nominated for Best Collaboration. Beyond her musical achievements, Cardi B is also recognized for her creative vision, receiving a nomination for Video Director of the Year alongside Patientce Foster. Adding to her diverse nominations, she is also a contender for the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award.

Cardi B's six nominations place her ahead of other prominent artists who also received significant recognition this year. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist each secured five nominations, while Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto all garnered four nominations apiece, signaling a competitive field across the board.

This year's BET Awards are notable for introducing two new categories designed to broaden the scope of recognition within Black culture. The Fashion Vanguard Award, for which Cardi B is nominated, honors a global figure whose distinct style has significantly impacted culture and storytelling across music, film, sports, and public life. She shares this inaugural nomination with other style heavyweights such as A$AP Rocky, Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Colman Domingo, Doechii, Rihanna, Teyana Taylor, and Zendaya.

The second new category, The Pulse Award, celebrates creators, campaigns, or content series that have propelled Black culture forward in digital spaces through conversation, community, and online influence. Nominees for this award include the