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Kendrick Lamar dominated at the BET Awards in Los Angeles, which honor Black excellence in acting, music, and sports. He won five awards, including coveted titles like Best Album, Video, and Male Hip-Hop Artist. In his acceptance speech, hosted by Kevin Hart, Lamar acknowledged BET's consistent dedication to authentically representing Black culture.
The rapper won best album for GNX and best video for Not Like Us, while he and filmmaker Dave Free also took home the prize for video director of the year. Rapper Doechii, who won best female hip-hop artist, used her moment on stage to critic US President Donald Trump for using military forces to stop protest" in LA, where US Marines and the National Guard are being deployed. Demonstrations began on Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in heavily Latino parts of the city, by the federal agency that identifies people in the US illegally and carries out arrests and deportations. Last year's BET hip-hop awards were also dominated by Lamar, where he won eight out of 11 nominations.
Ultimate icon awards, for achievement in music, entertainment, advocacy and community impact, were also handed out to musicians Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg and Kirk Franklin, along with actor Jamie Foxx. Foxx accepted his award from Stevie Wonder, and spoke about his recovery after having a stroke in 2023. Carey, who also performed at the awards, was given hers by Busta Rhymes, and said: This means so much. If you're gonna get one, might as well start with the Ultimate Icon Award. Wicked star Cynthia Erivo won best actress, having also been nominated for the
BET Her award - which recognises empowering songs that focus on women - for her stellar version of Defying Gravity. Gladiator II's veteran star Denzel Washington won best actor. The ceremony also featured R&B artist Ashanti's compilation of songs, including her 2002 hit Foolish, while Lil Kim performed Left Eye (Remix) with Honey Bxby.