BET is bringing back its signature celebration of culture and community. The BET Black + Iconic Soirée returns May 23, 2026, at MGM National Harbor in Oxon, Maryland, with Emmy-nominated actor and advocate Laverne Cox set to host the evening.
The annual event highlights the intersection of Black and LGBTQ+ experiences, honoring changemakers across entertainment, advocacy, and culture. This year’s edition continues that focus with live performances, recognition moments, and an expanded red carpet experience.
A Celebration Of Culture And Community
The Black + Iconic Soirée centers on visibility and impact. According to BET, the event “brings together luminaries, advocates, and changemakers for an intimate evening of recognition, reflection, and celebration.” It honors individuals whose work continues to shape culture and expand opportunity for future generations.
The 2026 ceremony will once again be held at MGM National Harbor, a venue that has become a frequent host for high-profile cultural events in the region.
Presenters, Honorees, And Sponsors Announced
BET has announced a lineup of presenters set to help spotlight this year’s honorees, including Amara La Negra (Love & Hip Hop: Miami), Bryan Terrell Clark (Diarra From Detroit), Carter The Body (All the Queen’s Men), Eva Marcille (All The Queen’s Men), and Ty Young (Basketball Wives).
This year’s honorees will be recognized across several categories, including:
- Damon Jones – Executive Realness Award (Chief Communications Officer, P&G)
- Jason Lee – Culture Trailblazer Award (Host and media personality)
- Marquise Vilson Balenciaga – Active Advocate Award (Actor)
- TS Madison – Miss Major’s Pioneer of the Year
The event is sponsored by Gilead Sciences and supported by Procter & Gamble, both of which continue their investment in equity-driven programming and cultural storytelling platforms.
In a statement, Gilead Sciences Vice President of Corporate Responsibility Rashad Burgess said the partnership reflects a commitment to long-term impact.
“As we enter our fourth year partnering with BET’s Black & Iconic, Gilead Sciences is proud to continue supporting platforms that elevate culture, amplify trusted voices, and strengthen connections across Black communities,” Burgess said. “Our work at Gilead is grounded in the belief that scientific breakthroughs only matter if they reach the people, they are designed to serve. Through sustained partnerships like this, we’re helping confront stigma, remove barriers to care, and advance healthier, more equitable futures.”
From the red carpet to the main stage, the evening will feature performances, fashion moments, and tributes centered on cultural influence and community recognition.
Laverne Cox Leads The Evening, Lavelle Dontae On Red Carpet
Actress and producer Laverne Cox will headline the night as host, bringing her long-standing advocacy and media presence to the stage. Cox has remained a visible force in entertainment and LGBTQ+ representation, often using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices.
Comedian and digital creator Lavelle Dontae will host the red carpet coverage, guiding arrivals and interviews as guests enter the soirée.
Together, the pair will set the tone for an evening built around recognition and celebration.
Performance By Tweet Set For The Stage
The event will also feature a special live performance from Grammy-nominated singer Tweet, known for her soulful catalog and early 2000s R&B influence. She is scheduled to perform two songs during the evening.
Her inclusion adds a musical layer to the event’s programming, blending live performance with awards and storytelling moments.
BET’s Continued Commitment To Representation
BET emphasized the event’s broader purpose in a statement from Tiyale Hayes, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Audience Development, Paramount Television Entertainment Group.
“As we continue to champion Black culture and create spaces that celebrate authenticity and impact, the Black + Iconic Soirée remains a powerful reflection of the voices and leaders driving meaningful change,” Hayes said. “Black + Iconic is about more than recognition. It is about honoring the voices, stories, and leaders who are actively shaping culture, shifting narratives, and expanding what is possible for the next generation.”
The soirée is designed as an awards dinner paired with live performances, with select moments captured for a pre-taped streaming rollout following the event.
About BET Media Group
BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount, continues to position itself as a leading platform for Black storytelling across television, streaming, and digital channels. The company operates a portfolio that includes BET, BET Her, BET Studios, and VH1, along with multiple FAST channels and digital offerings.
For more than four decades, BET has centered programming around Black audiences, with a focus on amplifying stories, voices, and cultural influence across entertainment and media landscapes.
The BET Black + Iconic Soirée returns May 23, bringing that mission back into a live setting where community, recognition, and performance meet on one stage.
