BET ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE BLACK + ICONIC SOIRÉE ON MAY 23, 2026 AT MGM NATIONAL HARBOR, HOSTED BY LAVERNE COX, CELEBRATING CULTURE, COMMUNITY, AND IMPACT

Lavelle Dontae to Host the Red Carpet as BET Honors the Power, Influence, and Impact of Black LGBTQ+ Excellence

NEW YORK, NY - Thursday, May 7, 2026 - BET today announced the return of the BET Black + Iconic Soirée, set to take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at MGM National Harbor in Oxon, Maryland. The annual event continues its mission of honoring and celebrating the intersectionality of the Black and LGBTQ+ communities, recognizing cultural leaders, and fostering collective impact.

Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and advocate Laverne Cox will serve as host for this year's Black + Iconic Soirée, bringing her signature voice, visibility, and cultural influence to the evening. Comedian and content creator Lavelle Dontae will host the red carpet, setting the tone for the night ahead.

The Black + Iconic Soirée brings together luminaries, advocates, and changemakers for an intimate evening of recognition, reflection, and celebration. Through powerful storytelling, performances, and honors, the event highlights individuals whose work continues to shape culture, advance equity, and uplift the Black LGBTQ+ community.

Taking the stage for a special performance is Tweet, the Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter known for her timeless sound and soulful delivery, who will perform two songs during the evening.

"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," said Tiyale Hayes, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Audience Development, Paramount Television Entertainment Group. "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 2026 event will feature an awards dinner and live performances, with select moments captured for a pre-taped streaming experience.

About BET Media Group

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.

For more information, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For additional announcements, visit paramountpressexpress.com/bet/.