American actress and musician Teyana Taylor was overcome with emotion as she accepted the prestigious Icon of the Year award at the BET Awards in Los Angeles. The 35-year-old, known for her breakthrough role in the Oscar-winning film 'One Battle After Another', was visibly tearful when presented with the honour by her hero, Janet Jackson. Taylor's surprise and gratitude were evident, exclaiming, "Oh my God... I'm gagging, they did not tell me Janet was coming," as she joined Jackson on stage.
Taylor, whose career spans two decades, also secured additional accolades at the ceremony, including Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and the Fashion Vanguard Award. Reflecting on her journey, she told the audience, "I worked my ass off for 20 years for this. So I'm not accepting what I've earned with arrogance, I'm accepting what I've earned with gratitude." This year has been particularly successful for Taylor, with a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination for 'One Battle After Another', alongside a Grammy nomination for her album 'Escape Room'.
Beyond her film and music achievements, Taylor also highlighted her recent graduation from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, demonstrating her multifaceted talents. She used her acceptance speech to advocate for collaboration over competition, stating, "This business can be very wicked [because] it teaches us to compete. 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."
The ceremony also celebrated other significant artists, including British singer Olivia Dean, who was named Best New Artist. Dean has cemented her status as a global star over the past year, making this a notable recognition for UK talent on an international stage. Hip-hop duo Clipse also had a successful night, taking home three awards: Album of the Year, Best Group, and Best Collaboration for their track 'Chains & Whips' featuring Kendrick Lamar.
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award to Lauryn Hill. The beloved 51-year-old artist, who rose to fame with The Fugees and released her seminal solo album 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' in 1998, was honoured with a star-studded tribute medley featuring artists like Nas, SZA, and Lizzo. Hill then surprised the audience with a rare performance, captivating attendees and reminding them of her enduring impact on music. She encouraged fans to value their unique talents, stating, "Somebody out there needs your gift. So don't sell your gift short."