[06/25/26 - 02:06 PM] BET's 4th Annual Black + Iconic Soiree to Premiere June 29, Exclusively on Paramount+ Hosted by Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and advocate Laverne Cox, with Lavelle Dontae serving as Red Carpet Host, this year's celebration highlighted the power, influence, and impact of Black LGBTQ+ leaders and allies across entertainment, advocacy, business, and media.
[via press release from BET]
BET'S 4TH ANNUAL BLACK + ICONIC SOIRÉE TO PREMIERE JUNE 29, EXCLUSIVELY ON PARAMOUNT+
Hosted by Laverne Cox, the Celebration of Black LGBTQ+ Excellence Features Honorees Jason Lee, TS Madison, Damon Jones, Marquise Vilson Balenciaga, and a Special Performance by Tweet
NEW YORK, NY - June 25, 2026 - BET today announced that the 4th Annual Black + Iconic Soirée will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ on June 29, 2026, bringing BET's signature celebration of Black LGBTQ+ excellence, culture, and community to audiences nationwide.
Filmed at MGM National Harbor in Oxon, Maryland, the Black + Iconic Soirée honors trailblazers, advocates, entertainers, and changemakers whose contributions continue to shape culture, advance equity, and inspire future generations. Hosted by Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and advocate Laverne Cox, with Lavelle Dontae serving as Red Carpet Host, this year's celebration highlighted the power, influence, and impact of Black LGBTQ+ leaders and allies across entertainment, advocacy, business, and media.
The special features appearances from Amara La Negra, Bryan Terrell Clark, Carter The Body, Eva Marcille, and Ty Young, alongside unforgettable moments of recognition, storytelling, and community celebration.
· Jason Lee, Host and Politician - Culture Trailblazer Award
· Marquise Vilson Balenciaga, Actor and Advocate - Active Advocate Award
· TS Madison, Actress, Entrepreneur, and Media Personality - Miss Major's Pioneer of the Year Award.
The evening also features a special performance by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Tweet, whose soulful performance served as one of the night's standout moments.
"The Black + Iconic Soirée is a reflection of our belief that visibility, representation, and community matter," said Tiyale Hayes, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Audience Development, Paramount Television Entertainment Group. "It's a celebration of resilience, joy, leadership, and authenticity, honoring individuals whose impact extends far beyond entertainment. We're proud to bring this celebration to Paramount+ and to share these powerful stories with audiences everywhere."
Sponsored by Gilead Sciences and supported by Procter & Gamble, the 4th Annual Black + Iconic Soirée continues BET's commitment to uplifting stories, voices, and communities that have long shaped culture while driving meaningful conversations around equity, visibility, and representation.
From inspiring acceptance speeches and powerful tributes to unforgettable performances and red carpet moments, the Black + Iconic Soirée stands as a celebration of pride, purpose, and progress.
The 4th Annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée premieres June 29, 2026, exclusively on Paramount+.
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/.
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