Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated acclaimed actor, comedian, and television host Anthony Anderson will host “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2026,” airing Friday, November 27 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS. Returning to the BET stage, Anderson will lead an unforgettable celebration of the artists, music, and enduring cultural legacy of the iconic “Soul Train” franchise, with a night of performances, tributes, and honors.
Anderson previously hosted the BET Awards in 2015 and 2016 and served as host of the NAACP Image Awards for eight consecutive years, bringing his signature humor, charisma and commanding presence to some of television’s biggest celebrations of Black excellence and culture. Anderson also hosted the 75th Annual Emmy Awards.
“I’m thrilled to be back with BET and especially excited to host SOUL TRAIN AWARDS in Chicago, where the Soul Train legacy began,” said Anthony Anderson. “Soul Train is more than a television show or an awards franchise; it’s a piece of our cultural history. Don Cornelius created a platform that gave Black artists a place to shine, and generations later, that spirit is still alive. I’m looking forward to celebrating the legends, the artists shaping R&B and soul today, and bringing a whole lot of fun to the night.”
“Anthony brings an incredible combination of comedic instinct, musical knowledge and genuine love for this culture,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy for BET. “His longstanding relationship with BET, coupled with his experience hosting some of television’s biggest award shows, makes him a natural fit for this new chapter of SOUL TRAIN AWARDS.”
“Anthony Anderson is an exceptional entertainer with a genuine connection to BET and the culture that SOUL TRAIN represents,” said Louis Carr, President of BET. “He understands the legacy, the music and the importance of creating a moment that brings people together. As we return SOUL TRAIN AWARDS to Chicago, the birthplace of the franchise, we’re excited to have Anthony at the center of this celebration.”
Anderson has received seven consecutive Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series,” four Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Comedy Series” as producer, three Golden Globe nominations, and three Critics’ Choice nominations for his role on “black-ish.” He has won eight Image Awards and had six BET Award nominations.
SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2026 marks the return of one of television’s most iconic celebrations of Black music and culture. The 2026 telecast will bring together artists who defined the sound with the artists carrying it forward, honoring the legacy of “Soul Train” while introducing a new generation to the spirit of the franchise.
Performers, honorees and additional special moments will be announced in the coming weeks.
About Soul Train
“Soul Train” was created in 1971 by visionary Don Cornelius and predominantly featured performances by R&B, pop, soul, and hip-hop artists, in addition to the occasional funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists. When the final episode of the show’s historic thirty-five-year run aired in 2006, it was the longest-running first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history. “Soul Train” highlighted a cast of incredible, ethnically diverse dancers who famously introduced the world to a whole new series of dance moves and styles on a weekly basis. Cornelius opened every show welcoming the audience to “the hippest trip in America” and closed each show wishing the audience “love, peace, and soul.” Today, the legacy of “Soul Train” lives on through the legendary Soul Train dance line, which has become a timeless staple on dance floors across America. In 2016, BET acquired the “Soul Train” brand and remains dedicated to revitalizing the brand while also honoring its heritage.
