BET Awards 2025: A Night of Celebration and Legacy

BET Awards 2025: A Night of Celebration and Legacy

The BET Awards 2025 once again demonstrated its status as Culture’s Biggest Night. Hosted by the charismatic Kevin Hart, the ceremony brought together the brightest stars in music, film, television, and sports to honor the talents that are shaping contemporary culture. The evening was rich with iconic moments and significant milestones, creating a vibrant tapestry of both legendary figures and emerging talents.

Kendrick Lamar was the undeniable standout of the night, securing four prestigious awards including Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, and Video of the Year for the viral hit “Not Like Us.” Additionally, Lamar won Best Collaboration alongside SZA for their powerful track “Luther.” He also shared the Video Director of the Year honor with his longtime collaborator, Dave Free. This remarkable achievement underscores Lamar's dominant presence in the music industry and reinforces his status as a transformative artist.

In the realm of R&B, SZA continued to assert her supremacy by clinching the title of Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, highlighting her unparalleled artistry. Chris Brown was recognized as Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, and the duo of Future & Metro Boomin earned the Best Group award for their chart-topping collaborative album, which resonated widely with fans and dominated the charts.

Emerging artists were also celebrated, with Leon Thomas, the former child actor turned solo artist, being crowned Best New Artist. Doechii marked her rise in the industry by winning Best Female Hip Hop Artist, a testament to her genre-bending creativity and rising stardom.

The night's emotional weight was embodied in the BET Her award, given to Summer Walker for her poignant ballad “Heart of a Woman,” which struck a chord with audiences. Meanwhile, the collaboration of GloRilla, Kirk Franklin, and Maverick City Music earned them the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for their soul-stirring track “Rain Down on Me,” highlighting the importance of inspiration in music.

In the film and television sectors, Cynthia Erivo took home Best Actress, while the indomitable Denzel Washington added another accolade to his illustrious career as Best Actor. The biopic Luther: Never Too Much was celebrated as Best Movie, reflecting its impact on both audiences and critics alike.

A notable highlight of the evening was the YoungStars Award presented to Blue Ivy Carter, emblematic of a new generation of talent. Her influence in performance and fashion is an exciting omen of the legacy being crafted by the children of icons Beyoncé and Jay-Z, symbolizing the continuation of cultural excellence.

On the sports front, Angel Reese continued her impressive trajectory by being named Sportswoman of the Year, while Jalen Hurts was honored as Sportsman of the Year for his exemplary leadership and performance in the NFL.

• 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

As BET commemorates the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards and its 45th year as a cultural beacon, this year’s celebration transcended a mere awards ceremony. It encapsulated a reflection of legacy, elevation, and the boundless potential of Black excellence, highlighting the continuing evolution of Black culture across a multitude of platforms.