The 25th BET Awards dazzled audiences at the Peacock Theater last night, marking a milestone in celebrating Black excellence across music, film, sports, and social justice. Hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, the event blended powerful tributes, unforgettable performances, and bold political commentary.
Kendrick Lamar Sweeps with Five Wins
The evening belonged to Kendrick Lamar, who converted five of his ten nominations into victories, including Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, Album of the Year for GNX, and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us.” Sharing Video Director of the Year with collaborator Dave Free, Kendrick remarked onstage, “BET has always made sure they’re representing the culture right.”
Honoring Icons and Legends
The Ultimate Icon Awards went to Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin, each celebrated for their cultural and philanthropic impact. Carey debuted her new single “Type Dangerous” with DJ D-Nice in a nightclub-themed set, while Snoop ignited the stage with classic West Coast anthems, joined by Charlie Wilson, Warren G, and Kurupt.
Jamie Foxx, introduced by Stevie Wonder, moved audiences with a deeply personal speech recalling his 2023 stroke. “When I saw that in memoriam, I was like, ‘that could’ve been me,’” he shared tearfully.
Franklin closed the show in gospel glory, leading a soul-stirring finale alongside Tamar Braxton, Muni Long, and others.
Doechii Takes a Stand
Winner of Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Doechii electrified the moment with a fiery acceptance speech denouncing U.S. military action during recent anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. “We must defend democracy,” she declared, earning a standing ovation and sparking national conversation.
Nostalgia Meets New Talent
A 106 & Park reunion brought a wave of early-2000s nostalgia, featuring Ashanti, Bow Wow, Amerie, and B2K. Rising star Leon Thomas claimed Best New Artist, while Lil Wayne introduced gospel-infused tracks from his upcoming album Tha Carter VI.
Fashion & Moments Beyond the Stage
Red carpet standouts included Keke Palmer in a vintage 1993 Chanel look and Doechii in a bold red Miu Miu ensemble. Backstage, Jamie Foxx shared emotional reflections with family and friends, while stars like Quinta Brunson and SZA posed in the BET portrait studio, capturing the night’s glamour.
Mixed Reactions & Lasting Impact
While critics praised the show’s celebration of legacy and cultural activism, some noted its nearly five-hour length and awkward moments during the In Memoriam segment. Mariah Carey’s performance sparked online debate, some praised her vocals, while others found her movement stiff.
Still, the BET Awards 2025 proved to be a powerful celebration of Black artistry, resilience, and voice, amplifying not just entertainment, but a cultural legacy 25 years strong.
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES AND WINNERS
Album of the Year
Winner: GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Nominees:
• $ome $exy $ongs 4 U – Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
• 11:11 Deluxe – Chris Brown
• Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
• Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
• Glorious – GloRilla
• Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
• We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Winner: SZA
Nominees:
• Ari Lennox
• Ayra Starr
• Coco Jones
• Kehlani
• Muni Long
• Summer Walker
• Victoria Monét
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Winner: Chris Brown
Nominees:
• Bruno Mars
• Drake
• Fridayy
• Leon Thomas
• Teddy Swims
• The Weeknd
• Usher
Best Group
Winner: Future & Metro Boomin
Nominees:
• 41
• Common & Pete Rock
• Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
• FLO
• Jacquees & Dej Loaf
• Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist
• Maverick City Music
Best Collaboration
Winner: “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Nominees:
• “30 for 30” – SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar
• “Alter Ego” – Doechii feat. JT
• “Are You Even Real” – Teddy Swims feat. Giveon
• “Beckham” – Dee Billz feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, KJ Swervo
• “Bless” – Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug
• “Like That” – Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
• “Sticky” – Tyler, The Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
• “Timeless” – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Winner: Doechii
Nominees:
• Cardi B
• Doja Cat
• GloRilla
• Latto
• Megan Thee Stallion
• Nicki Minaj
• Rapsody
• Sexyy Red
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
Winner: Kendrick Lamar
Nominees:
• BigXthaPlug
• Bossman Dlow
• Burna Boy
• Drake
• Future
• Key Glock
• Lil Wayne
• Tyler, The Creator
Video of the Year
Winner: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Nominees:
• “3AM in ToKEYo” – Key Glock
• “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
• “After Hours” – Kehlani
• “Denial Is a River” – Doechii
• “Family Matters” – Drake
• “Timeless” – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
• “Type Shit” – Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti
Video Director of the Year
Winner: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Nominees:
• Anderson .Paak
• B Pace Productions & Jacquees
• Benny Boom
• Cactus Jack
• Cole Bennett
• Dave Meyers
• Foggieraw
• Tyler, The Creator
Best New Artist
Winner: Leon Thomas
Nominees:
• 41
• Ayra Starr
• BigXthaPlug
• Bossman Dlow
• Dee Billz
• October London
• Shaboozey
• Teddy Swims
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel / Inspirational Award
Winner: “Rain Down On Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
Nominees:
• “A God (There Is)” – Common & Pete Rock feat. Jennifer Hudson
• “Amen” – Pastor Mike Jr.
• “Better Days” – Fridayy
• “Church Doors” – Yolanda Adams feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence
• “Constant” – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula
• “Deserve To Win” – Tamela Mann
• “Faith” – Rapsody
Best Movie
Winner: Luther: Never Too Much
Nominees:
• Bad Boys: Ride or Die
• Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
• One of Them Days
• Rebel Ridge
• The Piano Lesson
• The Six Triple Eight
Best Actor
Winner: Denzel Washington
Nominees:
• Anthony Mackie
• Colman Domingo
• Jamie Foxx
• Joey Bada$$
• Kevin Hart
• Sterling K. Brown
• Will Smith
Best Actress
Winner: Cynthia Erivo
Nominees:
• Andra Day
• Angela Bassett
• Coco Jones
• Keke Palmer
• Kerry Washington
• Quinta Brunson
• Viola Davis
• Zendaya
Sportswoman of the Year
Winner: Angel Reese
Nominees:
• A’ja Wilson
• Claressa Shields
• Coco Gauff
• Dawn Staley
• Flau’jae Johnson
• JuJu Watkins
• Sha’Carri Richardson
• Simone Biles
Sportsman of the Year
Winner: Jalen Hurts
Nominees:
• Aaron Judge
• Anthony Edwards
• Deion Sanders
• Jayson Tatum
• LeBron James
• Saquon Barkley
• Stephen Curry
YoungStars Award
Winner: Blue Ivy Carter
Nominees:
• Akira Akbar
• Graceyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth
• Heiress Diana Harris
• Melody Hurd
• Thaddeus J. Mixon
• Tyrik Johnson
• Van Van
Best International Act
Winner: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Nominees:
• Any Gabrielly (Brazil)
• Bashy (UK)
• Black Sherif (Ghana)
• Ezra Collective (UK)
• Joé Dwèt Filé (France)
• MC Luanna (Brazil)
• Rema (Nigeria)
• SDM (France)
• Tyla (South Africa)
• Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
Best New International Act
Winner: Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
Nominees:
• Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
• Amabbi (Brazil)
• Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
• Dr Yaro (France)
• KWN (UK)
• Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
• Merveille (France)
• Odeal (UK)
• Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Viewer’s Choice Award
Winner: “Residuals” – Chris Brown
Nominees:
• “Denial Is a River” – Doechii
• “Nokia” – Drake
• “Like That” – Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
• “TGIF” – GloRilla
• “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
• “Brokey” – Latto
BET Her Award
Winner: “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
Nominees:
• “Beautiful People” – Mary J. Blige
• “Blackbiird” – Beyoncé (feat. Tanner Adell…)
• “Bloom” – Doechii
• “Burning” – Tems
• “Defying Gravity” – Cynthia Erivo (feat. Ariana Grande)
• “Hold On” – Tems
• “In My Bag” – FLO (feat. GloRilla)
Written By Rodney Mbua
