The BET Awards 2025 winners list has officially landed, and yep, it’s full of surprises, upsets, and major moments that had fans going wild online.
Celebrating its 25th year, the show aired live from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on June 9, and it was nothing short of iconic.
With Kevin Hart back as host after more than a decade, the energy was high, the jokes were flying, and the performances hit hard. Here’s everything you need to know about who won big at the BET Awards 2025 and how the night played out:
- Kendrick Lamar led the nominations with 10 nods, and he showed up strong, taking home multiple wins including Video of the Year for Not Like Us and killing it in the Best Collaboration category.
- Doechii came in hot this year, grabbing Best Female Hip Hop Artist and a nod for Album of the Year for Alligator Bites Never Heal. She’s officially not just new on the scene, she’s dominating it.
- SZA was crowned Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and also took part in some of the night’s biggest collabs alongside Kendrick Lamar on Luther and 30 For 30.
- In the Album of the Year category, the competition was stacked with titles like:
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- Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
- GNX – Kendrick Lamar
- Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
- 11:11 Deluxe – Chris Brown
- $Ome $Exy $Ongs 4 U – Drake & PartyNextDoor
- Kevin Hart, now 45, said he was “truly honored” to return as host and promised “the ultimate show-stopping performances.” He delivered, big time.
- Performers of the night included:
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- Lil Wayne
- GloRilla
- Teyana Taylor
- Playboi Carti
- Leon Thomas
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist had fire contenders like:
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- Kendrick Lamar
- Future
- Tyler, the Creator
- Drake
- Lil Wayne
- The Best Collaboration category was all hits, no skips:
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- Like That – Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
- Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- Sticky – Tyler, the Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
- 30 For 30 – SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar
- Best New Artist was packed with rising stars like:
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- Ayra Starr
- Leon Thomas
- Teddy Swims
- Shaboozey
- On the international front, Best International Act included:
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- Tyla (South Africa)
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)
- Rema (Nigeria)
- In film, Best Movie nominees included:
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- Bad Boys: Ride or Die
- The Piano Lesson
- The Six Triple Eight
- Mufasa: The Lion King
- Best Actor saw major talent like:
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- Will Smith
- Denzel Washington
- Kevin Hart
- Jamie Foxx
- And for Best Actress, nominees included:
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- Zendaya
- Quinta Brunson
- Angela Bassett
- Keke Palmer
- Sportswoman of the Year nominees:
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- Simone Biles
- Sha’Carri Richardson
- Coco Gauff
- Juju Watkins
- Sportsman of the Year had fan favorites like:
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- LeBron James
- Jalen Hurts
- Stephen Curry
- Jayson Tatum
This year’s BET Awards 2025 winners made one thing clear: the culture is alive, thriving, and more powerful than ever. With Kendrick, SZA, and Doechii leading the pack, and Kevin Hart pulling out all the stops as host, it was a 25th anniversary celebration worth remembering. And if you’re still pressed about your fave being snubbed, just know, you’re not alone.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
