How to watch the ‘BET Awards’ 2026 online — stream black entertainment awards live from anywhere, free trial, start time

Logo for the BET Awards
(Image credit: BET)

The "BET Awards" 2026 celebrates some of the biggest and best names in the music, film and television, sport, philantrophy fields across the world, with Druski playing host at this year's ceremony.

Read on, and we'll show you how to watch the "BET Awards" 2026 online from anywhere in the world using a VPN and potentially for free.

'BET Awards' 2026 — date, time, and broadcast options

This year's "BET Awards" airs at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 28.
• U.S. BET via YouTube TV (free trial) / Paramount+
• Canada Paramount+
• AustraliaParamount+
• U.K.My5
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk-free

Since 2001, the "BET Awards" have recognized the outstanding Black performers across a range of different fields. This year, the likes of Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, and Mariah the Scientist lead the way in nominations for music, while Bruno Mars, Drake, Doja Cat, and Olivia Dean are nominated plenty.

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In the entertainment world, Chase Infiniti, Colman Domingo, Michael B. Jordan, Teyana Taylor, and Cynthia Erivo are competing for prizes. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, Angel Reese, Steph Curry, and LeBron James are the sports stars vying for even more trophies.

If you want to see all the winners and losers live on the night, here's to watch the "BET Awards" 2026 online from anywhere in the world.

How to watch 'BET Awards' 2026 for free

If you sign up to a YouTube TV free-trial, you'll get access to BET broadcasts, where the event is airing live on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. ET.

Though not quite free, thanks to a deal via Walmart Plus, you could also watch the "BET Awards" for just $1. Sign up to a 30-day trial and with it you'll get a free subscription to the Paramount+ streaming service, which is also showing the event on-demand.

Abroad when the event takes place? Use NordVPN to unlock your bargain stream of the big show.

How to watch the 'BET Awards' 2026 from anywhere

If you’re traveling and find that your usual streaming apps stop working outside your home region, a VPN (virtual private network) can help. It lets your device connect via a secure server back home, so you can use your existing subscriptions as normal.

Tom’s Guide has tested a wide range of services, and NordVPN is the one we favor.

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Use Nord to watch the "BET Awards" 2026 online with our exclusive deal.

Using a VPN is straightforward; follow these steps.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As noted, NordVPN is our preferred option.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select U.S. from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to Paramount+ and stream the "BET Awards" 2026 online

How to watch ‘BET Awards' 2026 in the U.S.

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You have a few options when it comes to watching the "BET Awards" in the U.S..

The show will air live on BET on Sunday, June 28 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. You'll need a cable package that has BET (or you can go via the YouTube TV route mentioned above). Subscriptions after the free trial period cost $67.99/month for the first five months, and from $82.99/month thereafter.

You can also access the show via Paramount+ and depending on your package, you might be able to watch live. Customers with the Premium package can stream live TV and will get to see the "BET Awards" on the night. However, if you only have the Essential plan, you may have to wait for coverage of the show to drop on the platform.

Paramount+ subscriptions will cost you $8.99 per month ($89.99/year) for the Essential plan or $13.99 per month ($139.99/year) for the Premium package.

Away from home right now? Get NordVPN to watch your regular stream as normal.

How to watch 'BET Awards' 2026 in Canada

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To watch the "BET Awards" 2026 in Canada, you'll need a Paramount+ subscription. Either watch the show live with a Premium package or stream it on-demand the next day if you're on the Essential package.

Not in Canada right now? A VPN can help you access your usual Canadian streaming services when you’re overseas. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and ease of use.

How to watch ‘BET Awards' 2026 in Australia

Australia flag

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

It's a similar story in Australia. You can watch the "BET Awards" by streaming the show on Paramount+. Due to the time difference, it'll be 10 a.m. AEST on Monday, June 30 when the event airs.

Not in Australia right now? Use one of the best VPN services to log into your usual streaming platforms from overseas. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and trusted security features.

Can you watch 'BET Awards' 2026 in the U.K.?

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(Image credit: Shutterstock)

In the U.K. you'll be able to watch the "BET Awards" on the My5 service. The only problem is you can't watch live and will have to wait until the broadcast is finished in the U.S. for it to drop on My5.

In the U.K. on vacation right now? We recommend NordVPN so you can bypass geo-restrictions, with the service rated highly for its speed, reliability, and trusted security features. Then you can watch your regular streams as normal.

'BET Awards' 2026 - all you need to know

EVERYONE'S INVITED TO BET AWARDS THIS YEAR 😂 Sunday, June 28th at 8/7c #BETAwards #shorts - YouTube EVERYONE'S INVITED TO BET AWARDS THIS YEAR 😂 Sunday, June 28th at 8/7c #BETAwards #shorts - YouTube
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Who is nominated at the 'BET Awards' 2026?

You can find the full list of "BET Awards" 2026 nominations on the official website, but here's a look at some of the major categories:

Album of the Year

  • Am I the Drama? – Cardi B
  • Don't Tap the Glass – Tyler, the Creator
  • Everything Is a Lot. – Wale
  • Hearts Sold Separately – Mariah the Scientist
  • Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse
  • Mutt Deluxe: Heel – Leon Thomas
  • The Fall-Off – J. Cole
  • The Romantic – Bruno Mars

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

  • Brent Faiyaz
  • Bruno Mars
  • Bryson Tiller
  • Chris Brown
  • Durand Bernarr
  • Giveon
  • Leon Thomas III
  • October London
  • Usher

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

  • Ari Lennox
  • Coco Jones
  • Ella Mai
  • Jill Scott
  • Kehlani
  • Mariah the Scientist
  • Olivia Dean
  • SZA
  • Tems

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist

  • ASAP Rocky
  • Baby Keem
  • BigXthaPlug
  • DaBaby
  • Don Toliver
  • Drake
  • J. Cole
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • T.I.

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist

  • Cardi B
  • Coi Leray
  • Doechii
  • Doja Cat
  • GloRilla
  • Latto
  • Megan Thee Stallion
  • Monaleo
  • YK Niece

Best Movie

  • Highest 2 Lowest
  • Him
  • Number One on the Call Sheet
  • One Battle After Another
  • Relationship Goals
  • Ruth & Boaz
  • Sinners
  • Wicked: For Good

Best Actor

  • Aaron Pierre
  • Aldis Hodge
  • Anthony Mackie
  • Colman Domingo
  • Damson Idris
  • Delroy Lindo
  • Denzel Washington
  • Michael B. Jordan
  • Sterling K. Brown

Best Actress

  • Angela Bassett
  • Ayo Edebiri
  • Chase Infiniti
  • Coco Jones
  • Cynthia Erivo
  • Keke Palmer
  • Quinta Brunson
  • Regina Hall
  • Teyana Taylor

Sportsman of the Year

  • Aaron Judge
  • Anthony Edwards
  • Caleb Williams
  • Jalen Brunson
  • Jalen Hurts
  • LeBron James
  • Shedeur Sanders
  • Stephen Curry

Sportswoman of the Year

  • A'ja Wilson
  • Angel Reese
  • Claressa Shields
  • Coco Gauff
  • Flau'jae Johnson
  • Gabby Thomas
  • Jordan Chiles
  • Naomi Osaka
  • Sha'Carri Richardson

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Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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Jakob Barnes
Freelance Writer

Jakob has over 11 years of experience in journalism across sports, entertainment, tech, and politics. Now a freelance writer, he works with Future across a range of different brands including Golf Monthly, FourFourTwo, Tom's Guide and more.

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