The 2025 BET Awards lit up Los Angeles last night in a dazzling celebration of Black excellence, music, culture, and entertainment. Hosted by comedian and Hollywood favorite Kevin Hart, this year’s milestone event marked the 25th anniversary of the awards show, and it didn’t disappoint.
With powerhouse performances, emotional tributes, and electrifying wins, the night was packed with unforgettable moments that had social media buzzing across the globe.
Rap icon Kendrick Lamar stole the spotlight, not only by leading with ten nominations but also clinching major wins including Album of the Year for “GNX”, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us”; a visual masterpiece that has been dominating charts and conversations.
SZA and Chris Brown also emerged as big winners, taking home the coveted titles of Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Best Male R&B/Pop Artist respectively, further cementing their legacy in the music industry.
Breakout star Doechii scored Best Female Hip Hop Artist, beating out giants like Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion, while R&B sensation Leon Thomas was named Best New Artist- proving that 2025 is truly the year of rising talent.
The emotional high point of the night came with the presentation of the Ultimate Icon Award, given to Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and gospel legend Kirk Franklin for their decades-long contributions to music and culture.
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From powerful musical moments by Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, and Playboi Carti, to a nostalgic tribute montage honoring 25 years of cultural impact, this year’s BET Awards wasn’t just a show — it was history in the making.
Below is the complete list of 2025 BET Awards winners:
Album of the Year:
Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist:
SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist:
Chris Brown
Best Group:
Future & Metro Boomin
Best Collaboration:
Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Luther
Best Female Hip Hop Artist:
Doechii
Best Male Hip Hop Artist:
Kendrick Lamar
Video of the Year:
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Video Director of the Year:
Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist:
Leon Thomas
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award:
GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin & Maverick City Music – Rain Down on Me
Viewer’s Choice Award:
Chris Brown – Residuals
BET Her:
Summer Walker – Heart of a Woman
Best Movie:
Luther: Never Too Much
Best Actor:
Denzel Washington
Best Actress:
Cynthia Erivo
YoungStars Award:
Blue Ivy Carter
Sportswoman of the Year:
Angel Reese
Sportsman of the Year:
Jalen Hurts
Ultimate Icon Awards:
Mariah Carey
Jamie Foxx
Snoop Dogg
Kirk Franklin
This year’s show wasn’t just an award ceremony, it was a movement, a cultural reset, and a powerful reminder that Black creativity continues to shape the pulse of global entertainment.
As fans celebrate online, the 2025 BET Awards has already gone down in history as one of the most epic nights in Black entertainment.
