The BET Awards 2025 delivered a dazzling celebration of creativity, talent and cultural influence, reaffirming its position as the most significant night in Black entertainment. Held in Los Angeles and hosted by the ever-charismatic Kevin Hart, the ceremony gathered a constellation of stars from music, film, television and sport to honour the artists, athletes and icons who continue to shape and elevate Black culture.
Now in its 25th year, the BET Awards marked not just a milestone for the ceremony itself but also the 45th anniversary of Black Entertainment Television, a network that has played a central role in promoting Black voices and stories. The night paid homage to the legacy of past trailblazers while shining a spotlight on a new generation of talent.
While Kendrick Lamar undoubtedly led the honours with four major wins, the ceremony was a wide-ranging celebration of excellence across genres and disciplines. Lamar’s album GNX took Album of the Year, and he also won Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for “Not Like Us” and Best Collaboration for “Luther,” his evocative duet with SZA. He also shared Video Director of the Year with his creative partner Dave Free, marking a high point in his visual and sonic storytelling.
On the R&B front, SZA triumphed as Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, continuing her reign as one of the most influential voices in contemporary music. Chris Brown was recognised as Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, while Future and Metro Boomin secured Best Group for their widely acclaimed collaborative album.
Breakthrough talent was also in the spotlight. Leon Thomas, known for his evolution from child star to skilled solo artist, received the Best New Artist award. Doechii, whose genre-defying sound has earned critical and commercial success, was awarded Best Female Hip Hop Artist.
The BET Her Award was given to Summer Walker for “Heart of a Woman,” a stirring ballad praised for its raw emotion and vulnerability. In the Gospel and Inspirational category, GloRilla, Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music were honoured for “Rain Down on Me,” a powerful collaboration that bridged hip hop and gospel in meaningful ways.
In cinema, the accolades continued. Cynthia Erivo was named Best Actress, while the incomparable Denzel Washington added to his legacy as Best Actor. The critically celebrated Luther: Never Too Much, a biographical tribute to the life and music of Luther Vandross, was awarded Best Movie.
A particularly memorable moment came with the YoungStars Award being presented to Blue Ivy Carter. Already a style icon and performer in her own right, the young talent was recognised for her growing presence and potential—a powerful symbol of legacy and future all in one.
The sporting world was represented with equal pride. Angel Reese was celebrated as Sportswoman of the Year for her dominance on the basketball court and her impact beyond it. Jalen Hurts, a leader both on and off the football field, was named Sportsman of the Year.
More than just an awards show, the BET Awards 2025 served as a cultural time capsule, reflecting the richness, diversity and innovation of Black creativity across disciplines. As the network and its flagship event reach landmark anniversaries, the evening reaffirmed that the future of Black culture is not only secure but thriving.
Full List of Winners – BET Awards 2025
• 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
• Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts
• BET Her Award – “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
