Kendrick Lamar Dominates as Doechii and Jamie Foxx Shine at BET Awards 2025!

SCANDALOUS! The 2025 BET Awards Were a Star-Studded Extravaganza, But Who Really Shined?

Last night in Los Angeles, the 2025 BET Awards brought together some of the biggest names in music, film, TV, and sports to celebrate the culture-shaping talent that's pushing the boundaries. And boy, did they ever deliver! Hosted by the hilarious Kevin Hart, this year's ceremony was a wild ride filled with surprise wins, emotional acceptance speeches, and maybe even a few tantrums.

But let's get to the real tea: the winners. Kendrick Lamar took home four major awards, including Album of the Year for his critically-acclaimed "GNX," Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for "Not Like Us," and Best Collaboration alongside SZA for their track "Luther." Talk about a sweep!

SZA herself was also feeling good, taking home Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. But don't worry, Chris Brown fans – he snagged Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, because everyone needs a little bit of CB in their lives.

The night's most emotional moment came when Leon Thomas won Best New Artist. Before accepting his award, the 25-year-old R&B singer paid tribute to his late grandfather, saying, "My grandfather always told me, 'Music is a team sport.' And I want to thank God for being my coach in life."

But it wasn't all smooth sailing – Doechii's win for Best Female Hip Hop Artist sparked controversy when she used her acceptance speech to address the ICE raids in Los Angeles. The 26-year-old rapper spoke out against President Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard, saying, "What type of government is that? People are being swept up and torn from their families... We all deserve to live in hope, not fear."

Meanwhile, GloRilla took home the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for her track "Rain Down on Me" alongside Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music.

And let's not forget about Jamie Foxx – he was honored with the BET Ultimate Icon Award, presented by Stevie Wonder. In a tear-jerking speech, Foxx spoke about his near-death experience and how music saved him: "When I saw the memoriam segment, I realized, 'Man, that could've been me.' I don't know why I went through what I went through, but I know my second chance – I'm not going to turn it down."

Denzel Washington added another trophy to his legendary career as Best Actor, while Cynthia Erivo won Best Actress for her role in the film "Defying Gravity." And don't even get us started on Blue Ivy Carter – she received the YoungStars Award, a full-circle moment of legacy and promise.

But wait, there's more! Angel Reese dominated as Sportswoman of the Year, continuing her many streaks of wins both on and off the court. Jalen Hurts earned Sportsman of the Year honors for his performance and leadership in the NFL.

And Here Are All the Winners:

Album of the Year

• $Ome $Exy $Ongs 4 U - Drake & PartyNextDoor
• 11:11 Deluxe - Chris Brown
• Alligator Bites Never Heal - Doechii
• Cowboy Carter - Beyoncé
• Glorious - GloRilla
• GNX - Kendrick Lamar (WINNER)
• Hurry Up Tomorrow - The Weeknd
• We Don't Trust You - Future & Metro Boomin

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

• Ari Lennox
• Ayra Starr
• Coco Jones
• Kehlani
• Muni Long
• SZA (WINNER)
• Victoria Monét

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

• Bruno Mars
• Chris Brown (WINNER)
• Drake
• Fridayy
• Leon Thomas
• Teddy Swims
• The Weeknd
• Usher

Best Group

• 41
• Common & Pete Rock
• Drake & PartyNextDoor
• FLO
• Future & Metro Boomin (WINNER)
• Jacquees & Dej Loaf
• Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist
• Maverick City Music

Best Collaboration

• "30 For 30" - SZA Feat. Kendrick Lamar
• "Alter Ego" - Doechii Feat. JT
• "Are You Even Real" - Teddy Swims Feat. Givēon
• "Beckham" - Dee Billz Feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, Kj Swervo
• "Bless" - Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug
• "Luther" - Kendrick Lamar & SZA (WINNER)
• "Like That" - Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
• "Sticky" - Tyler, the Creator Feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
• "Timeless" - The Weeknd Feat. Playboi Carti

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

• Cardi B
• Doechii (WINNER)
• Doja Cat
• GloRilla
• Latto
• Megan Thee Stallion
• Nicki Minaj
• Rapsody
• Sexyy Red

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

• BigXthaPlug
• Bossman Dlow
• Burna Boy
• Drake
• Future
• Kendrick Lamar (WINNER)
• Key Glock
• Lil Wayne
• Tyler, the Creator

Video of the Year

• "3AM in ToKEYo" - Key Glock
• "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" - Shaboozey
• "After Hours" - Kehlani
• "Not Like Us" - Kendrick Lamar (WINNER)
• "Timeless" - The Weeknd Feat. Playboi Carti
• "Type Shit" - Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti

Video Director of the Year

• Anderson .Paak
• B Pace Productions & Jacquees
• Benny Boom
• Cactus Jack
• Cole Bennett
• Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar (WINNER)
• Davey Stewart
• Jay Martin
• Mark Weatherspoon

Best Movie

• Bad Boys: Ride Or Die
• Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
• Luther: Never Too Much (WINNER)
• Mufasa: The Lion King
• One Of Them Days
• Rebel Ridge
• The Piano Lesson
• The Six Triple Eight

Best Actor

• Aaron Pierre
• Aldis Hodge
• Anthony Mackie
• Colman Domingo
• Denzel Washington (WINNER)
• Jamie Foxx
• Joey Bada$
• Kevin Hart
• Sterling K. Brown
• Will Smith

Best Actress

• Andra Day
• Angela Bassett
• Coco Jones
• Cynthia Erivo (WINNER)
• Keke Palmer
• Kerry Washington
• Quinta Brunson
• Viola Davis
• Zendaya

YoungStars Award

• Akira Akbar
• Blue Ivy Carter (WINNER)
• Graceyn "Gracie" Hollingsworth
• Heiress Harris
• Melody Hurd
• Thaddeus J. Mixson
• Tyrik Johnson
• Vanvan

Sportswoman of the Year Award

• A'ja Wilson
• Angel Reese (WINNER)
• Claressa Shields
• Coco Gauff
• Dawn Staley
• Flau'jae Johnson
• Juju Watkins
• Sha'Carri Richardson
• Simone Biles

Sportsman of the Year Award

• Aaron Judge
• Anthony Edwards
• Deion Sanders
• Jalen Hurts (WINNER)
• Jayson Tatum
• LeBron James
• Saquon Barkley
• Stephen Curry