Current status as of mid-2026
As of mid-2026, there are no certified Grammy wins for Kendrick Lamar in the 2026 ceremony cycle. Official results from the 66th Annual Grammy Awards held in 2024 and the 67th Awards held in 2025 show he has not won in those years. No announcements have been made for categories in which he may have been nominated for 2026 eligibility (music released in 2025). This status clarifier compiles verified outcomes, explains how nominations differ from wins, and places outcomes in historical context for durable understanding.
Understanding Grammy cycles and eligibility
The Grammys operate on an eligibility year and voting calendar that can make timelines confusing. Nominations are typically announced in November or December; winners are decided by voting members and often announced in February or early March. For the 67th ceremony (2025), eligibility focused on releases from September 2023 to August 2024. For the 68th ceremony (likely 2026), eligibility will cover releases from late 2024 into 2025. Kendrick Lamar’s competitive profile in each cycle depends on eligible releases and category alignment.
Key eligibility windows
- 66th Grammy Awards (2024): eligibility September 2022–August 2023
- 67th Grammy Awards (2025): eligibility September 2023–August 2024
- 68th Grammy Awards (likely 2026): eligibility September 2024–August 2025
Verified outcomes: 2024 and 2025 cycles
Across the two most recent Grammy ceremonies, Kendrick Lamar did not secure a win. Below is a concise summary of his outcomes by year, based on official announcements from the Recording Academy.
| Date or Period | Event | Category | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2022 | 64th Grammy Awards | Best Rap Performance | Won | “RANGE 12” (with Baby Keem) |
| April 2022 | 64th Grammy Awards | Best Rap Song | Nominated | “Family Ties” |
| April 2023 | 65th Grammy Awards | Album of the Year | Nominated | “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” |
| April 2023 | 65th Grammy Awards | Best Rap Performance | Won | “N95” |
| April 2023 | 65th Grammy Awards | Best Rap Song | Won | “N95” |
| April 2024 | 66th Grammy Awards | Best Rap Performance | Nominated | “The Heart Part 5” |
| April 2025 | 67th Grammy Awards | Best Rap Performance | Nominated | “Not Like Us” |
| April 2025 | 67th Grammy Awards | Nominated | “Not Like Us” |
Grammy wins vs nominations: why the distinction matters
A nomination signals industry recognition and placement on the shortlist; a win reflects final voter choice within a category. Multiple nominations do not guarantee wins, and outcomes can vary by category competitiveness and broader voting trends. For long-term career analysis, wins indicate moments where a release overtook peers in the eyes of voters, whereas nominations confirm consistent eligibility and presence.
Contextualizing Kendrick Lamar’s recent competitive history
Across the 64th, 65th, and 66th ceremonies, Kendrick has secured wins when his releases aligned with category criteria and stood out among peers. His 2022 and 2023 wins came for specific performances and tightly defined categories. The absence of wins in recent nomination cycles reflects tight competition and the subjective nature of award voting, not a diminishment of artistic impact.
What to watch for in the 2026 cycle
As the eligibility window for the upcoming 68th Grammys extends into 2025, attention will focus on any releases that meet criteria and receive early-season momentum. Voters weigh cultural resonance, technical execution, and peer reception. For Kendrick Lamar, any project that enters the window and sustains presence through the nomination and voting phases could realistically contend.
Reliable sources and how to track outcomes
The Recording Academy announces nominations in November/December and winners in February–March. Check accredited outlets and the official Grammy website for certification of nominations and final results. Avoid speculative reporting; rely on official results pages and transparent journalistic sourcing for durable clarity.