The 21st annual BET Awards returned Sunday (6/27) with a theme that focused on the “Year of the Black Woman.” Award-winning actress and producer Taraji P. Henson hosted the ceremony from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, where a live audience attended the nearly four hour show.
“Celebrating Black women isn’t a fad or a trend it’s a forever mood,” Henson said, opening up the show. “There is more than enough room for all of us to thrive, because can’t nobody be like me and can’t nobody be you like you.”
Critically acclaimed rapper, actress, producer Queen Latifah received this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her “amazing success” throughout her decades-long career. Her “sisters in rap” including Lil Kim, Rapsody, MC Lyte and Monie Love all took to the main stage to honor the entertainer with a performance of her classic hits, “Ladies First” and “U.N.I.T.Y..” Latifah’s, who got emotional during her speech, thanked her parents, siblings and business partner.
The evening was full of other winners including Megan Thee Stallion who was recognized as “Best Female Hip Hop Artist,” “Best Collaboration,” “Viewer’s Choice” and “Video of the Year.”
On the movies front, Chadwick Boseman was named Best Actor and Andra Day earned Best Actress distinction.
Here’s a rundown of winners:
— Video of the year: Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”
— Best female R&B/pop artist: H.E.R.
— Best male R&B/pop artist: Chris Brown
— Best female hip-hop artist: Megan Thee Stallion
— Best male hip-hop artist: Lil Baby
— Best new artist: Giveon
— Best group: Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak)
— Best collaboration: Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”
— Album of the year: Jazmine Sullivan, “Heaux Tales”
— Viewer’s Choice Award: Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé, “Savage (Remix)”
— Lifetime Achievement Award: Queen Latifah
— Dr. Bobby Jones best gospel/inspirational Award: Kirk Franklin, “Strong God”
— BET HER Award: SZA, “Good Days”
— Video director of the year: Bruno Mars and Florent Déchard
— Best actress: Andra Day
— Best actor: Chadwick Boseman
— Best movie: “Judas and the Black Messiah”
— Youngstars award: Marsai Martin
— Sportswoman of the year: Naomi Osaka
— Sportsman of the year: LeBron James
— Best international act: Burna Boy (Nigeria)
— Viewer’s choice — best new international act: Bree Runway (UK)
