Tweet, Jason Lee, Eva Marcille, Amara La Negra, TS Madison, and More to Take the Stage at MGM National Harbor in Celebration of Black LGBTQ+ Excellence

Black + Iconic Soirée Media Credential Application: https://forms.gle/VAQGLysvDi1jFita8

NEW YORK, NY – May 13, 2026 – The 4th Annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée is set to take center stage at MGM National Harbor in Oxon, Maryland on Saturday, May 23, 2026, with a dynamic lineup of talent that reflects the brilliance, creativity, and cultural impact of the Black LGBTQ+ and ally community.

BET today announced a dynamic lineup of presenters who will honor this year’s changemakers across culture, entertainment, and advocacy:

• Amara La Negra (Love & Hip Hop: Miami, BET/VH1)

• Bryan Terrell Clark (Diarra From Detroit, BET+)

• Carter The Body (All the Queen's Men, BET/VH1)

• Eva Marcille (All The Queen’s Men, BET+)

• Ty Young (Basketball Wives, BET/VH1)

Hosted by Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and advocate Laverne Cox, with Lavelle Dontae serving as Red Carpet Host, the Black + Iconic Soirée returns as a signature cultural moment honoring leaders and luminaries who continue to shape culture, advance equity, and redefine impact.

This year’s honorees include:

• Damon Jones – (Chief Communications Officer, P&G) Executive Realness Award

• Jason Lee – (Host & Politician) Culture Trailblazer Award

• Marquise Vilson Balenciaga – (Actor) Active Advocate Award

• TS Madison – (Actress & Media Personality) Miss Major’s Pioneer of the Year

The Black + Iconic Soirée is a celebration of pride, purpose, and power, where icons are honored, voices are amplified, and the intersection of Blackness, queerness, and allyship takes center stage.

This year’s event is sponsored by Gilead Sciences and supported by Procter & Gamble, whose continued commitment to equity, health, and inclusive storytelling helps amplify the impact and reach of the Black + Iconic Soirée.

“As we enter our fourth year partnering with BET’s Black & Iconic, Gilead Sciences is proud to continue supporting platforms that elevate culture, amplify trusted voices, and strengthen connections across Black communities,” said Rashad Burgess, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility of Gilead Sciences. “Our work at Gilead is grounded in the belief that scientific breakthroughs only matter if they reach the people, they are designed to serve. Through sustained partnerships like this, we’re helping confront stigma, remove barriers to care, and advance healthier, more equitable futures.”

From the red carpet to powerful on-stage moments, the evening will deliver unforgettable performances, bold fashion, and a celebration rooted in authenticity, community, and cultural influence.

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/.

BET Press Contacts
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Autumn Griffin
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Erica Knox
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