Teyana Taylor was honored with the Icon of the Year Award at the 2026 BET Awards, which was presented by Janet Jackson.
The Oscar-nominated star was emotional from the start, surprised that Jackson took the time to present the award to her at the Peacock Theater. After praising Jackson, Taylor delivered an inspiring message about uplifting one another rather than tearing one another down in a complicated industry.
“Tonight they handed me a title, and that title is Icon of the Year,” Taylor said on the stage. “And for a little minute I wondered if I was supposed to feel uncomfortable saying that title out loud.”
The Golden Globe winner acknowledged that she has been working for 20 years, adding, “I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance, I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude.”
“Most of my career has been spent building my own dream while helping somebody else build theirs, because I believe there’s room for all of us to win,” she continued. “Even if that means pouring from my own cup into someone else’s, so they can overflow, not because I had to, but because that’s just who I am. That’s pretty damn iconic, if you ask me.”
“Because this business can be very wicked. This business is wicked, you know. It teaches us to compete, but I’ve never believed that my success had to call someone else’s theirs. If I know something, I should teach it. If I open a door, I should hold it. If I have a platform, I should make room for another voice. Thank you. Because 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, that’s the only legacy I care about. So tonight I will wear this title loud and proud because I promise to continue to earn it.”
Taylor went on to create her parents and her “greatest masterpiece,” her two kids, who she hoped were watching her at home.”
“Thank you to everyone who’s allowed me to be a part of your story, and thank you to everyone who’s been a part of mine,” she said. “It truly takes a village, and I’m beyond blessed with the one that God has given me. Thank you so much, BET, for this honor. I love you all.”
Watch Taylor’s full speech in the video below.
