Here’s a recap of the BET Awards 2025 winners as Culture’s Biggest Night continues to celebrate excellence across music, film, TV, and sports—all live from the Peacock Theater with Kevin Hart at the helm:
🏆 Headliner Highlights
- Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night’s biggest winner, scooping up Album of the Year (GNX), Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year (“Not Like Us”), Best Collaboration (“Luther” with SZA), and Video Director of the Year (with Dave Free) (bet.com).
- SZA was crowned Best Female R&B/Pop Artist (bet.com).
- Chris Brown earned Best Male R&B/Pop Artist along with the Viewer’s Choice Award for “Residuals” (featureweekly.com).
- The dynamic duo Future & Metro Boomin took home Best Group (lamag.com).
- Rising star Leon Thomas was named Best New Artist (ew.com).
- Doechii won Best Female Hip Hop Artist, making waves with her outspoken acceptance speech (los40.com).
- Summer Walker’s heartfelt ballad “Heart of a Woman” was honored as the BET Her Award winner (lamag.com).
- GloRilla, Kirk Franklin, and Maverick City Music shared the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for “Rain Down on Me” (revolt.tv).
🎬 Film, TV & Young Stars
- Denzel Washington took home Best Actor, and Cynthia Erivo was named Best Actress (los40.com).
- Luther: Never Too Much was honored as Best Movie (ew.com).
- Beyoncé and Jay‑Z’s daughter Blue Ivy Carter received the YoungStars Award (ew.com).
🏅 Sports Standouts
- Angel Reese earned Sportswoman of the Year, and Jalen Hurts was voted Sportsman of the Year (bet.com).
🌍 International Accolades
- Ayra Starr was recognized as Best International Act (Nigeria).
- Ajuliacosta from Brazil won Best New International Act (lamag.com, revolt.tv).
🎉 Why It Mattered
This year’s ceremony marked the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards—a testament to the enduring impact of Black culture. With powerhouse performances, outspoken speeches (Doechii’s call for social awareness), and recognition for legends like Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin with the Ultimate Icon Awards, the night was a powerful reflection of legacy and progress (revolt.tv).
The BET Awards 2025 didn’t just honor stars—it celebrated stories, voices, and movements that shape culture. From the lyrical genius of Kendrick Lamar to the bold emergence of Leon Thomas and Doechii, this night truly belonged to innovation, resilience, and artistry.