BET Awards 2025: Celebrating Black Excellence with Iconic Wins and Performances

The 25th BET Awards, held on June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, was a vibrant celebration of Black culture, music, film, and sports. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Kevin Hart, the event marked its milestone anniversary with electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and a spotlight on both established legends and rising stars. Dubbed "Culture’s Biggest Night," the 2025 BET Awards delivered unforgettable moments, from Kendrick Lamar’s dominant wins to emotional speeches by Ultimate Icon Award recipients. Here’s a rundown of the major winners and highlights that defined the evening.

Kendrick Lamar’s Reign Continues

Kendrick Lamar was the night’s biggest winner, sweeping five awards from his leading ten nominations. His album GNX took home Album of the Year, solidifying his influence in hip-hop. Lamar also won Best Male Hip Hop Artist, marking his record-extending eighth win in the category, Video of the Year for the viral hit “Not Like Us,” Best Collaboration for “Luther” with SZA, and Video Director of the Year alongside longtime creative partner Dave Free. Although Lamar didn’t attend the ceremony, his presence was undeniable, with his work resonating deeply with fans and voters alike.

SZA and Doechii Shine Bright

SZA, a powerhouse in R&B, secured Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, reinforcing her status as a cultural mainstay. Her collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on “Luther” also contributed to their shared win for Best Collaboration. Meanwhile, Doechii made waves by winning Best Female Hip Hop Artist, her first BET Award, and used her acceptance speech to address social issues, condemning President Donald Trump’s response to protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles. Doechii’s bold statement underscored the night’s theme of unapologetic cultural impact.

Chris Brown and Summer Walker Top R&B Categories

Chris Brown continued his long-standing success at the BET Awards, taking home Best Male R&B/Pop Artist for his consistent chart-topping hits. Summer Walker won the BET Her Award for her soulful ballad “Heart of a Woman,” which connected deeply with audiences for its raw emotion. Both artists proved their staying power in R&B, with Brown’s win adding to his decades-long run and Walker’s victory highlighting her unique voice in the genre.

Gospel and Inspirational Highlights

The Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award went to GloRilla, Kirk Franklin, and Maverick City Music for their powerful collaboration “Rain Down on Me.” The track’s uplifting message and stellar production resonated with voters, showcasing the continued influence of gospel in Black music. Kirk Franklin’s performance of a medley of hits like “Silver and Gold” and “Stomp” alongside Tamar Braxton, Jamal Roberts, and Muni Long was a crowd favorite, further cementing his legacy.

Film and Television Stars Honored

The BET Awards also celebrated excellence in film and television. Cynthia Erivo won Best Actress for her captivating performances, while Denzel Washington added another accolade to his storied career with Best Actor. The biopic Luther: Never Too Much was named Best Movie, earning praise for its portrayal of Luther Vandross’s life and legacy. In a heartwarming moment, Blue Ivy Carter won the YoungStars Award, a testament to her growing influence as the daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, proving she’s already carving her own path in entertainment.

Ultimate Icon Awards Steal the Spotlight

The evening’s emotional peak came with the presentation of the Ultimate Icon Awards to Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin. Mariah Carey, presented by Busta Rhymes, dazzled in a gold ensemble and encouraged fans to “be a diva, be a boss” during her acceptance speech. Jamie Foxx, honored by Toyota, gave a tearful speech reflecting on his second chance at life, while Snoop Dogg, presented by 50 Cent, paid tribute to his wife Shante Broadus for her unwavering support. Kirk Franklin, introduced by T.I., praised his wife and celebrated his gospel legacy. These moments highlighted the awards’ focus on legacy and resilience.

Breakthrough Talent and Group Wins

Leon Thomas took home Best New Artist, a nod to his slow-burning success with his debut album Mutt. His win was a highlight for fans who’ve followed his rise in R&B. In the Best Group category, Future & Metro Boomin won for their hit-filled collaborative album We Don’t Trust You, which dominated charts and playlists. These wins underscored the BET Awards’ commitment to recognizing both emerging talent and established powerhouses.

Performances That Lit Up the Stage

The BET Awards 2025 were as much about performances as they were about awards. Snoop Dogg delivered a medley of classics like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “The Next Episode” with Charlie Wilson, Warren G, and Kurupt. GloRilla brought energy with “LET HER COOK” before teaming up with Keyshia Cole for a duet on “Love.” Playboi Carti performed “LIKE WEEZY” and “RATHER LIE,” while Teyana Taylor captivated with “Long Time.” The tribute to 106 & Park featured Keyshia Cole, T.I., Omarion, Ashanti, and more, celebrating the iconic music video countdown show’s 25th anniversary.

A Night of Legacy and Culture

The 2025 BET Awards lived up to its reputation as “Culture’s Biggest Night,” blending nostalgia, innovation, and social commentary. From Kendrick Lamar’s sweep to Blue Ivy’s rising star moment, the ceremony honored the past, present, and future of Black excellence. With Kevin Hart’s humor, powerful performances, and heartfelt tributes, the night was a reminder of the enduring impact of Black culture on the global stage. For the full list of winners, check out BET’s official site.

Stay tuned for more updates on awards season and the artists shaping the culture!