The 25th annual BET Awards, held on June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, was a vibrant celebration of Black excellence across music, film, television, and sports. Hosted by the charismatic Kevin Hart for a second time, the milestone ceremony was filled with memorable moments, significant wins, and impactful messages, solidifying its place as “Culture’s Biggest Night.”
Kendrick Lamar emerged as a dominant force, taking home multiple awards, including Album of the Year for “GNX,” Best Male Hip Hop Artist, and Video of the Year for his viral hit “Not Like Us.” His collaboration with SZA, “Luther,” also earned them a Best Collaboration award. Other big winners included SZA for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Chris Brown for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist.
A highlight of the night was the recognition of four “Ultimate Icon Award” recipients: Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin. Each artist was celebrated for their decades of groundbreaking contributions and significant community impact. Jamie Foxx’s emotional acceptance speech, reflecting on his recent health scare and second chance at life, was particularly poignant, presented by none other than Stevie Wonder.
The show also featured an array of electrifying performances. Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, and Playboi Carti lit up the stage, alongside a special 25th-anniversary celebration of the iconic “106 & Park” show, bringing back beloved hosts and artists like Ashanti, Mya, Amerie, and B2K for a nostalgic medley of hits.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the BET Awards continued its tradition of providing a platform for important social commentary. Best Female Hip Hop Artist winner Doechii used her acceptance speech to bravely speak out against immigration raids and protest crackdowns happening in Los Angeles, drawing applause from the audience and sparking further discussion online.
The 2025 BET Awards reinforced its crucial role in honoring and amplifying Black voices, proving that after 25 years, it remains an indispensable cultural institution.
