Celebrating 25 years of Black excellence, the 2025 BET Awards, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, June 9, 2025, kicked off with a bang.
The ceremony, hosted by stand-up comedian Kevin Hart, featured musical performances from a star-studded lineup that included Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, Playboi Carti, Mariah Carey, Andra Day, Babyface, Snoop Dogg, and Jennifer Hudson.
Kendrick Lamar, who led the nominees with 10 nods, took home five awards. Other notable winners of the night include SZA for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Chris Brown for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, Future & Metro Boomin for Best Group and Nigeria’s very own Ayra Starr, who won the Best International Act award.
The ceremony also honoured rising acts like Leon Thomas and female rapper Doechii, as well as established actors Cynthia Erivo and Denzel Washington. Culture’s biggest night also celebrated four legends (Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, Kirk Franklin) in their newly minted status as ultimate icons with tribute performances and acceptance speeches.
Full List of Winners:
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Chris Brown
Best Group – Future & Metro Boomin
Best Collaboration – “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Doechii
Video of the Year – “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist – Leon Thomas
Album of the Year – GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
Best Actress – Cynthia Erivo
Best Actor – Denzel Washington
Best Movie – Luther: Never Too Much
YoungStars Award – Blue Ivy Carter
Sportswoman of the Year – Angel Reese (Basketball)
Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts (Football)
BET Her Award – “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
Best International Act – Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Viewers’ Choice – Residuals – Chris Brown
Best new international act – Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
Ultimate icon award
Mariah Carey
Jamie Foxx
Snoop Dogg
Kirk Franklin