Image: Kevin Winter

Teyana Taylor was honored with the inaugural Icon of the Year Award during the 2026 BET Awards, presented by Janet Jackson, whom Taylor described as her “biggest inspiration.”

Taylor expressed her surprise and gratitude during her acceptance speech, revealing that she had not been informed Jackson would present the award: “Oh my God. Bitch, I’m gagging.”

In her emotional address, Taylor reflected on her 20-year career and emphasized that she was accepting the award with gratitude rather than arrogance. She said, “I worked my ass off for this.”

She highlighted her multifaceted career, which includes roles as an artist, actress, director, choreographer, stylist, and chef, and proclaimed that collaboration and mutual success are vital in the entertainment industry.

Taylor encouraged a sense of community in her speech. She said, “I believe greatness isn’t measured by how many people stand beneath you; it’s measured by how many people stand beside you because you’re willing to reach back.”

Janet Jackson praised Taylor’s work ethic and artistic contributions, acknowledging her recent accolades, including Grammy and Oscar nominations.

In addition to the Icon of the Year Award, Taylor won three other awards at the event: Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and the first-ever Fashion Vanguard Award.