25 Years of BET Awards Brilliance

Kirk Franklin at the 2025 BET Awards.
Image Credit: People

By Cynthia Umeh

The 2025 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards, which happened on June 9, wasn’t just another awards night. It was a statement. It was a moment. It was Black excellence on full display. The 25th BET Awards took over the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles with a celebration of music, film, sports, and culture, unapologetically Black, deeply inspiring, and wildly entertaining.

Hosted by Kevin Hart, back for his second round since 2011, the silver anniversary of the awards paid tribute to legacy while embracing the fearless voices shaping the future. From gospel to hip-hop, Hollywood to hardwood courts, the event wasn’t just about who won; it was about honoring the people and stories that keep our culture moving forward.

A major highlight of the night was the presentation of the Ultimate Icon Award to four legendary artists: Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin, each honored for their groundbreaking contributions to music, entertainment, and Black culture. The star-studded tribute celebrated their collective impact across genres and generations, with powerful performances and heartfelt moments that reminded everyone just how deeply their influence runs. From hip-hop to gospel, soul to screen, these icons embody the legacy and excellence the BET Awards were built to honor.

The energy of the show also leaned into full-blown millennial nostalgia. Performances transported the audience back to the early 2000s, with GloRilla bringing crunk-era vibes and Doechii channeling Missy Elliott-style theatrics. We also had performances by B2K, Mya, Ashanti, Bow Wow, Keyshia Cole, T.I, and more. From the fashion to the beats, it felt like classic BET — the kind that made you want to rush home to catch 106 & Park. The award ceremony was more than an award show; it was a cultural reunion, a reminder of where we came from and how far we have come.

Now, here is the complete list of winners from the unforgettable night:

Album of the Year: GNX — Kendrick Lamar

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 Female Hip Hop Artist: Doechii

Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar

Video of the Year: “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar

Video Director of the Year: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar

Best New Artist: Leon Thomas

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: “Rain Down on Me” — GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music

Viewer’s Choice Award: “Residuals” — Chris Brown

Best International Act: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Best New International Act: Ajulicosta (Brazil) and TxC (South Africa)

BET Her: “Heart of a Woman” — Summer Walker

Best Movie: Luther: Never Too Much

Best Actor: Denzel Washington

Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo

Young Stars Award: Blue Ivy Carter

Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese

Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts

Black stories. Black strength. Black joy. The 2025 BET Awards reminded us why representation matters not just on the red carpet or the charts, but in the culture as a whole. At Shades of Us, we champion Black excellence because we know our stories change lives, shift narratives, and shake the world.

To every winner, nominee, and creative force behind the scenes, thank you. You are the storytellers, dreamers, and leaders making our communities proud.

Here is to 25 years of honoring the culture. And here is to the future, because we are just getting started.