BET Awards 2025: Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Chris Brown emerge top winners in glamourous event

The 2025 BET Awards went down on Monday, June 9, in a star-studded ceremony held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

The glamorous event marked the 25th anniversary of the awards, often referred to as "culture’s biggest night," and saw the return of comedian Kevin Hart as host.

Hart, who last hosted the show in 2011, expressed his excitement ahead of the event in a press release shared by BET.

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"I love a party. It's a chance to look back, enjoy, and honour life's special times. I’m truly honoured to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate culture's biggest night. This year is the 25th anniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE are doing everything they can to make it a night to remember," said the award-winning actor and comedian.

This year’s ceremony featured some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industry.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar led the night with 10 nominations and walked away with major wins, including Album of the Year and Best Male Hip Hop Artist.

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SZA, Doechii, Chris Brown, and Future also stood out in various categories.

The night was packed with electrifying live performances from Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, Playboi Carti, Leon Thomas, and Glorilla, among others, making the show both high-energy and emotionally charged.

Full List of Winners – BET Awards 2025

Album of the Year
Kendrick Lamar – GNX

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Chris Brown

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
SZA

Best Collaboration
Kendrick Lamar and SZA – Luther

Best Group
Future and Metro Boomin

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Doechii

Video of the Year
Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar

Video Director of the Year
Dave Free and Kendrick Lamar

Best New Artist
Leon Thomas

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Rain Down on Me – Glorilla featuring Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music

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Also among the top contenders were Drake, The Weeknd, Doechii, Ayra Starr, and Tyler, the Creator, who each received multiple nominations.

The BET Awards 2025 stirred plenty of online conversation, with fans celebrating the winners, analysing the performances, and praising the show for spotlighting culture and talent.