The 2025 BET Awards lit up Los Angeles last night, honoring Black excellence with a star-studded show. Kendrick Lamar dominated, SZA and Doechii made history, and new talents like Leon Thomas broke through. Check out the full winner list and key moments from culture’s biggest night.
Kendrick Lamar Leads the Pack at BET Awards 2025
The 25th BET Awards, hosted by Kevin Hart at the Peacock Theater on June 9, 2025, was a celebration of Black artistry, music, and impact. Kendrick Lamar stole the show, snagging five awards from 10 nominations, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us.” His collaboration with SZA, “Luther,” won Best Collaboration, and he shared Video Director of the Year with longtime collaborator Dave Free. Lamar’s acceptance speech for GNX was heartfelt, shouting out his Compton roots and saying, “This is for the culture that never stops pushing.”
SZA took home Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, cementing her reign with her soulful hits, while Doechii claimed Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and used her moment to call out recent immigration raids in LA, urging unity. “We’re here to create, not destroy,” she said, earning a standing ovation. Newcomer Leon Thomas won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist for his debut album MUTT, a breakout moment that had his mom beaming in the audience.
Full List of 2025 BET Awards Winners
Here’s who took home the trophies:
- Album of the Year: GNX – Kendrick Lamar
- Video of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
- Best Collaboration: “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Doechii
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: SZA
- Best Group: Future & Metro Boomin
- Best New Artist: Leon Thomas
- Viewer’s Choice Award: “Residuals” – Chris Brown
- BET Her Award: “Heart of the Forever” – Summer Walker
- Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin & Maverick City Music
- Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo
- Best Actor: Denzel Washington
- Best Movie: Luther: Never Too Much
- YoungStars Award: Blue Ivy Carter
- Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts
- Video Director of the Year: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
- Best International Act: Ayra Starr
Standout Moments and Tributes
The night was packed with electric performances, from Lil Wayne’s high-energy medley to GloRilla and Keyshia Cole’s soulful duet on “Love.” A tribute to 106 & Park’s 25th anniversary brought out legends like Keyshia Cole and Bow Wow, hyping the crowd for the show’s revival later this year. Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin received Ultimate Icon Awards, with Carey’s medley of hits like “Fantasy” and “Dreamlover” stealing hearts. Foxx, honored by Stevie Wonder, got emotional, reflecting on his journey from comedy to Oscar-winning roles.
Doechii’s speech resonated deeply, addressing protests outside the venue over LA’s immigration crackdowns. “This is about our people standing together,” she said, a moment fans online called “raw and real.” Blue Ivy Carter’s YoungStars win was a crowd favorite, with the 13-year-old dedicating it to her parents, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, for “always inspiring me to dream big.”
he 2025 BET Awards didn’t just hand out trophies—they showcased Black culture’s pulse, from Lamar’s lyrical dominance to Doechii’s fearless activism. With 500 industry voters selecting winners, the awards reflect what’s moving music, film, and sports right now. Social media is ablaze with fans celebrating Lamar’s sweep and debating snubs, like Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter missing Album of the Year. The show’s focus on legacy, from 106 & Park to icons like Snoop Dogg, underscores BET’s role in amplifying Black voices.