<\/p>\n
By Danielle Broadway<\/p>\n
LOS ANGELES, June 28 (Reuters) \u2013 Teyana Taylor was a top winner on Sunday at the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards, which honors Black actors, singers, and sports stars.<\/p>\n
The \u201cOne Battle After Another\u201d\u00a0actor took home four awards, \u200bincluding the special, noncompetitive honor of Icon of the Year, presented by \u200csinger Janet Jackson. She also won the Fashion Vanguard Award, Best Actress, and Video Director of the Year for the short film \u201cEscape Room.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere would be no me without you,\u201d Taylor said to Jackson during a tearful acceptance speech for the Icon of the Year award, which BET describes \u200cas honoring \u200bthose who have paid homage to music, entertainment, advocacy, \u2060and community impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cI worked my \u2060ass off 20 years for this. So, I\u2019m not accepting what I\u2019ve earned with arrogance; I\u2019m accepting what I\u2019ve earned with gratitude,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The BET Awards were held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and broadcast live on \u200bBET, as well as multiple Paramount-owned channels.<\/p>\n
Comedian Druski, the youngest person ever to host the ceremony, opened with his comedic pastor persona, leading the audience in a \u2060humorous group prayer that blended jokes with tributes \u2060to spirituality.<\/p>\n
The ceremony featured performances from Cardi B, Raye, T.I., \u200bKehlani, Doechii, and Don Toliver.<\/p>\n
Boundary-breaking music industry executive Sylvia Rhone was also honored with the \u200bBET Ultimate Icon Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a \u200clasting impact throughout their careers in the entertainment industry and the Black community.<\/p>\n
\u201cTonight\u2019s honor bears my name but really belongs to all of us who create culture. I\u2019ve been fortunate to spend my life around extraordinary artists,\u201d Rhone, 74, said as she accepted \u2060the award onstage.<\/p>\n
\u201cBlack creativity is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It has shaped culture,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She emphasized that while technology is valuable, it is essential \u2060for Black creatives to preserve \u200cthe soul and artistry of music for the next \u2060generation.<\/p>\n
The 50-year veteran of the music industry is the first \u200bBlack woman \u200cto have held various top level positions at a number \u200bof well-known \u2060record labels.<\/p>\n
She has held executive roles at Epic Records, Universal Motown, Elektra, Atlantic, and East West, and is known for her mentorship, including her work with Missy Elliott, Brandy, and Busta Rhymes.<\/p>\n
Other honors of the night included Cardi B winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Lauryn Hill taking home the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award.<\/p>\n
(Reporting by Danielle Broadway; \u200bEditing by Neil Fullick)<\/p>\n