Laverne Cox to Host BET’s 2026 Black + Iconic Soirée Celebrating LGBTQ+ Excellence

BET's biggest night for Black LGBTQ+ excellence is returning!

Today, the BET Media Group announced the electric return of the BET Black + Iconic Soirée, a signature gala dedicated to the unapologetic celebration of Black LGBTQ+ brilliance. The star-studded event is set to take over the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

This year’s soirée finds its perfect host in Emmy-nominated icon Laverne Cox. As a groundbreaking actress, producer and tireless advocate for trans visibility, Cox brings a level of grace and cultural authority with her signature voice that embodies the very spirit of “Black + Iconic.” 

Adding a dose of sharp wit, laughter and viral energy, stand-up comedian and content creator Lavelle Dontae will host the red carpet, ensuring the night starts with the same vibrancy and infectious spirit it celebrates.

Born from a vision to showcase and spotlight the profound impact of Black creatives,  the Black + Iconic Soirée is more than a party, it’s a cultural gathering that fosters the recognition of Black, queer excellence. The event gathers luminaries, advocates and changemakers who are fighting, championing  causes, and creating space for the next generation to live out loud. By centering powerful storytelling, performances, and honors, the event celebrates individuals whose work continues to shape culture, advance equity, and uplift the Black LGBTQ+ community.

This mission is central to BET’s identity as the ultimate destination for Black culture. For over 40 years, BET has been the heartbeat of the community, amplifying authentic stories and providing a home where Black voices don’t just exist—they thrive

Tiyale Hayes, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Audience Development, states that “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. 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 evening wouldn’t be complete without a soundtrack to match the elegance. The “Southern Hummingbird” herself, Tweet, will take the stage for an intimate performance of two songs. Known for her sultry, genre-blending sound and timeless hits like “Oops (Oh My),” Tweet’s presence brings a legacy of soulful storytelling that perfectly complements the night’s mission of honoring authentic expression and legacy.

The 2026 experience will feature an elegant awards dinner recognizing change agents across arts, health, and civil rights, alongside powerful tributes to the pioneers who paved the way for Black queer joy. Beyond the ballroom, select moments from the evening will be curated for a special pre-taped streaming experience, bringing the magic of the soirée to audiences worldwide.

The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), is the world’s largest media company rooted in community, culture, and connection for the Black community. For over four decades, BET has served as a trusted home for Black audiences, amplifying authentic stories, elevating Black voices, and creating spaces where culture thrives and community comes together.

 Through a powerful portfolio of brands—including BET, BET Her, BET Studios, and VH1—along with FAST channels such as BET Tyler Perry Comedy, BET Tyler Perry Drama, BET Comedy Movies, BET Cinema, BET Classics, BET Visionaries, BET Throwbacks, and BET Pluto, BET connects audiences across cable, digital, live events, studios, and global platforms. Together, these platforms deliver culturally resonant content that reflects the depth, creativity, and impact of the Black experience.