The 25th annual BET Awards—hailed as the biggest night in x`Black entertainment and culture—was broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, June 9. The milestone event marked a quarter-century of celebrating the best in music, film, and more.
Kendrick Lamar led the pack with 10 nominations, followed by Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla, who each earned six nods. Other multi-nominated artists included Metro Boomin with five, while SZA and The Weeknd received four nominations each. Ayra Starr, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Maverick City Music, Playboi Carti, Teddy Swims, and Tyler, the Creator were recognized in three categories apiece.
Kevin Hart returned as host for the first time since 2011. Now 45, the comedian and actor shared his excitement about hosting the silver anniversary of the BET Awards. “It’s all about celebrating unforgettable cultural moments,” he said in a press release. Hart, alongside his companies Hartbeat, BET, and Jesse Collins Entertainment, promised a night full of energy, top-tier performances, meaningful tributes, and cultural pride.
This year’s performers included Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas, adding flair to a night already packed with big names and big wins.
2025 BET Awards Winners List
Album of the Year
- Winner: GNX – Kendrick Lamar
- Nominees: Beyoncé (Cowboy Carter), Drake & PartyNextDoor ($Ome $Exy $Ongs 4 U), Doechii (Alligator Bites Never Heal), Future & Metro Boomin (We Don’t Trust You), Chris Brown (11:11 Deluxe), The Weeknd (Hurry Up Tomorrow), GloRilla (Glorious)
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
- Winner: SZA
- Nominees: Ayra Starr, Ari Lennox, Victoria Monét, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Muni Long, Kehlani
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
- Winner: Chris Brown
- Nominees: Bruno Mars, Usher, Leon Thomas, Teddy Swims, The Weeknd, Fridayy, Drake
Best Group
- Winner: Future & Metro Boomin
- Nominees: FLO, Drake & PartyNextDoor, 41, Common & Pete Rock, Jacquees & Dej Loaf, Larry June & 2 Chainz & The Alchemist, Maverick City Music
Best Collaboration
- Winner: Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- Other Nominated Collabs: 30 For 30 (SZA & Kendrick), Alter Ego (Doechii & JT), Sticky (Tyler, the Creator ft. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne), Like That (Future, Metro Boomin, Kendrick), among others.
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
- Winner: Doechii
- Nominees: Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, Latto, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, Rapsody, Sexyy Red
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
- Winner: Kendrick Lamar
- Nominees: Drake, Future, Lil Wayne, Burna Boy, Tyler, the Creator, Key Glock, BigXthaPlug, Bossman Dlow
Video of the Year
- Winner: Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
- Nominees: Denial Is a River (Doechii), Timeless (The Weeknd ft. Playboi Carti), Family Matters (Drake), Type S— (Future, Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Metro Boomin)
Video Director of the Year
- Winner: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
- Nominees: Anderson .Paak, Cole Bennett, Tyler, the Creator, Benny Boom, Cactus Jack, Dave Meyers, Foggieraw
Best New Artist
- Winner: Leon Thomas
- Nominees: Ayra Starr, BigXthaPlug, Bossman Dlow, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims, October London, Dee Billz, 41
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
- Winner: Rain Down on Me – GloRilla ft. Kirk Franklin & Maverick City Music
- Nominees: Pastor Mike Jr. (Amen), Tamela Mann (Deserve to Win), Yolanda Adams (Church Doors), Fridayy (Better Days)
Viewer’s Choice Award
- Winner: Residuals – Chris Brown
- Nominees: Nokia (Drake), Not Like Us (Kendrick), Luther (Kendrick & SZA), Brokey (Latto)
BET Her Award
- Winner: Heart of a Woman – Summer Walker
- Nominees: Tems, Beyoncé (Blackbiird), Doechii (Bloom), FLO & GloRilla (In My Bag)
Best Movie
- Winner: Luther: Never Too Much
- Nominees: Bad Boys: Ride Or Die, The Piano Lesson, Mufasa: The Lion King, Rebel Ridge
Best Actor
- Winner: Denzel Washington
- Nominees: Colman Domingo, Kevin Hart, Anthony Mackie, Jamie Foxx, Joey Bada$$, Aldis Hodge, Sterling K. Brown, Aaron Pierre
Best Actress
- Winner: Cynthia Erivo
- Nominees: Angela Bassett, Zendaya, Viola Davis, Quinta Brunson, Keke Palmer, Coco Jones
YoungStars Award
- Winner: Blue Ivy Carter
- Nominees: Akira Akbar, Heiress Harris, Graceyn Hollingsworth, Melody Hurd, Vanvan
Sportswoman of the Year
- Winner: Angel Reese
- Nominees: Simone Biles, Coco Gauff, A’ja Wilson, Juju Watkins, Flau’jae Johnson
Sportsman of the Year
- Winner: Jalen Hurts
- Nominees: LeBron James, Aaron Judge, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, Deion Sanders
This year’s BET Awards proved once again why it’s called “Culture’s Biggest Night”—with unforgettable moments, powerful tributes, and outstanding talent honored across the entertainment spectrum.
