BET has named Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor, comedian, and television host Anthony Anderson as host of the 2026 Soul Train Awards.
Live from Chicago, the awards will air on Friday, November 27 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS. Anderson will lead the evening’s celebration of music, culture, and the artists carrying forward the legacy of the Soul Train Awards
Anderson previously hosted the BET Awards in 2015 and 2016 and served as host of the NAACP Image Awards for eight consecutive years, bringing his signature humor, charisma and commanding presence to some of television’s biggest celebrations of Black excellence and culture. Anderson also hosted the 75th Annual Emmy Awards.
“I’m thrilled to be back with BET and especially excited to host SOUL TRAIN AWARDS in Chicago, where the Soul Train legacy began,” said Anthony Anderson. “Soul Train is more than a television show or an awards franchise; it’s a piece of our cultural history. Don Cornelius created a platform that gave Black artists a place to shine, and generations later, that spirit is still alive. I’m looking forward to celebrating the legends, the artists shaping R&B and soul today, and bringing a whole lot of fun to the night.”
“Anthony brings an incredible combination of comedic instinct, musical knowledge and genuine love for this culture,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy for BET. “His longstanding relationship with BET, coupled with his experience hosting some of television’s biggest award shows, makes him a natural fit for this new chapter of SOUL TRAIN AWARDS.”
“Anthony Anderson is an exceptional entertainer with a genuine connection to BET and the culture that SOUL TRAIN represents,” said Louis Carr, President of BET. “He understands the legacy, the music and the importance of creating a moment that brings people together. As we return SOUL TRAIN AWARDS to Chicago, the birthplace of the franchise, we’re excited to have Anthony at the center of this celebration.”
Anderson has received seven consecutive Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series,” four Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Comedy Series” as producer, three Golden Globe nominations, and three Critics’ Choice nominations for his role on “black-ish.” He has won eight Image Awards and had six BET Award nominations.
