Hosted by Kevin Hart, this year’s show honored Kendrick Lamar’s reign, Blue Ivy’s rise, and the artists, athletes, and actors defining Black culture now.
The BET Awards 2025 proved once again why it’s called Culture’s Biggest Night. Hosted by the one-and-only Kevin Hart, the show brought together the brightest stars across music, film, TV, and sports to celebrate the talent shaping the culture and pushing it forward. From iconic moments to major milestones, the night belonged to both legends and new-school favorites.
Kendrick Lamar was the evening’s undeniable standout, taking home four major awards, including Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for the viral smash “Not Like Us,” and Best Collaboration alongside SZA for their soul-shaking track “Luther.” Lamar also shared Video Director of the Year honors with longtime creative partner Dave Free.
On the R&B side, SZA took home Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, proving her artistry is still unmatched. Chris Brown snagged Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, while Future & Metro Boomin earned Best Group, thanks to their hit-filled collab album that shook up the charts and clubs alike.
Breakout talent got their flowers too. Leon Thomas—the singer, songwriter, and former child actor turned solo star—was crowned Best New Artist, while Doechii continued her genre-bending rise with a win for Best Female Hip Hop Artist.
The BET Her award went to Summer Walker for “Heart of a Woman,” a raw, emotional ballad that connected deeply with fans. And on the inspirational side, GloRilla, Kirk Franklin, and Maverick City Music took home the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for their powerful collab “Rain Down on Me.”
In film and television, the awards spotlighted both classic excellence and rising talent. Cynthia Erivo won Best Actress, and Denzel Washington added another trophy to his legendary career as Best Actor. The fan-favorite biopic Luther: Never Too Much was named Best Movie.
And in one of the night’s most talked-about wins, Blue Ivy Carter received the YoungStars Award, a full-circle moment of legacy and promise. She’s been making waves with her performances, fashion, and influence—proving Beyoncé and Jay-Z didn’t just raise the bar, they’re raising the next icon.
On the sports side, Angel Reese dominated as Sportswoman of the Year, continuing her streak of wins both on and off the court. Jalen Hurts, QB1 and fan favorite, earned Sportsman of the Year honors for his performance and leadership in the NFL.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS – BET AWARDS 2025
This is the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards and the network’s 45th year as a cultural institution, this year’s show was more than just an awards ceremony—it was a reflection of legacy, elevation, and the limitless future of Black excellence.
