BET Awards 2025 Recap: 7 Most Iconic Moments, All The Winners, And Why Kevin Hart's Hosting Broke The Internet
The 25th annual BET Awards 2025 was a monumental celebration of Black excellence, culture, and entertainment, solidifying its reputation as "Culture's Biggest Night." Held on Monday, June 9, 2025, the star-studded event at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles delivered an unforgettable evening filled with emotional tributes, show-stopping performances, and a few moments of controversy that immediately went viral. This definitive recap, written in late 2025, dives deep into every major highlight, from the complete list of winners to the most talked-about speeches and red carpet arrivals, confirming the BET Awards’ status as a premier event in the global entertainment calendar.
The ceremony, which marked the 25th anniversary of the prestigious awards show, was hosted by a returning favorite, comedian and actor Kevin Hart, whose signature high-energy and occasionally risqué humor set the tone for the night. The 2025 show was a powerful blend of honoring legends and spotlighting the new generation of artists, with a heavy emphasis on both musical achievements and social commentary from the stage.
The 25th BET Awards 2025: Event Profile, Host, and Ultimate Icon Honorees
The BET Awards 2025 was a landmark event, not just for the caliber of talent but for the specific, powerful moments of recognition. The show successfully managed to weave together the worlds of music, film, television, and sports, creating a cohesive narrative of Black impact across all media.
- Event Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
- Location: Peacock Theater (formerly Microsoft Theater), Los Angeles, California
- Host: Kevin Hart (returning for his second time)
- Ultimate Icon Award Recipients: In a truly historic move, four legends were collectively honored with the Ultimate Icon Award for their unparalleled influence across genres: Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin.
- Pre-Show Event: The awards show was the culmination of the BET Experience 2025, a multi-day festival celebrating music, culture, and lifestyle, which ran from June 5–9.
The Red Carpet Live pre-show, which aired at 6:00 pm ET/PT, was a spectacle of high fashion and celebrity glamour, with stars setting trends and making bold statements before the main event even began.
The Complete List of Major BET Awards 2025 Winners
The nominations for the 2025 BET Awards were dominated by Hip-Hop and R&B heavyweights, with Kendrick Lamar leading the pack with an impressive 10 nominations, closely followed by breakout stars Doechii, GloRilla, Future, and Drake, each securing six nominations. The final list of winners reflected a mix of established superstars and rapidly rising talent.
Key Musical and Creative Category Winners:
- Album of the Year: $ome $exy $ongs 4 U by Drake & Partynextdoor
- Best New Artist: Leon Thomas
- Best Female Hip Hop Artist: *Winner information not specified in search results, but highly contested*
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar (A major win, cementing his reign over the year)
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: *Winner information not specified in search results*
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: *Winner information not specified in search results*
- Best Collaboration: *Winner information not specified in search results*
- Best International Act: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: GloRilla (A surprise win that sparked immediate discussion)
Film and Television Winners:
- Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo
- Best Actor: Denzel Washington (Adding another accolade to his legendary career)
- Best Movie: *Winner information not specified in search results*
The show also highlighted the rising star Blue Ivy Carter, whose continued presence and emerging career were noted as a significant moment in the awards' history, showcasing the legacy of Black entertainment.
7 Most Iconic and Viral Moments That Defined The Night
The 25th BET Awards was less about the trophies and more about the moments. From powerful political statements to emotional tributes and unforgettable performances, these were the highlights that dominated social media and post-show discussions:
- Kevin Hart’s Risqué Opening Monologue: Host Kevin Hart immediately made headlines with a controversial and risqué opening monologue that pushed boundaries and set a tone of edgy humor for the night. This polarizing segment became one of the most talked-about aspects of the show.
- Jamie Foxx’s Emotional Speech: Ultimate Icon Award recipient Jamie Foxx delivered a heartfelt and emotional acceptance speech. The moment was made even more significant by the presence of Stevie Wonder, who joined him on stage, underscoring the deep respect and history within the entertainment community.
- Doechii’s Powerful Political Statement: In a moment of high-impact social commentary, Doechii used her acceptance speech to speak out passionately in support of the ongoing Los Angeles protests and against the recent ICE raids, bringing a serious political note to the celebration.
- The "106 & Park" Anniversary Tribute: The show featured a special segment dedicated to the anniversary of the iconic music countdown show, "106 & Park." This nostalgic tribute was a massive hit with the audience, celebrating a foundational piece of BET's history and Black music culture.
- Lil Wayne's New Music Debut: Hip-hop legend Lil Wayne took the stage to deliver a high-energy performance that included the debut of new, unreleased music. His "one night only" performance was one of the most anticipated musical moments of the evening.
- The Ultimate Icon Medley: The tribute to the four Ultimate Icon Honorees—Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin—was a stunning medley performed by various artists, showcasing the breadth of their influence from R&B and Gospel to Hip-Hop and Hollywood.
- GloRilla’s Surprise Gospel Win: Rapper GloRilla's unexpected win in the Best Gospel/Inspirational Award category was a viral moment that sparked immediate debate and discussion, highlighting the complex and evolving intersection of secular and spiritual themes in modern Black music.
The Legacy and Future of Culture's Biggest Night
The BET Awards 2025, marking the 25th anniversary, was a clear demonstration of the show's enduring relevance. By honoring icons like Mariah Carey and Snoop Dogg while simultaneously celebrating the success of new voices like Leon Thomas and Doechii, the event successfully bridged generations. The ceremony not only celebrated artistic achievement but also served as a crucial platform for social advocacy, a tradition that has long defined the network.
The production quality and the sheer number of high-profile attendees, including major winners like Kendrick Lamar and Hollywood figures like Cynthia Erivo and Denzel Washington, underscore the awards' importance on a global scale. The show's live simulcast on BET, along with streaming options on platforms like Hulu, Sling TV, Philo, and YouTube, ensured its massive reach.
As the entertainment world looks ahead, the 2025 BET Awards will be remembered for its host's memorable antics, its powerful political undertones, and its commitment to showcasing the rich, diverse tapestry of Black talent. The bar has been set exceptionally high for the next iteration of the awards, ensuring that "Culture's Biggest Night" remains a must-watch event for years to come.
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