The BET Awards 2025 lit up Los Angeles last night—and while the stage saw its fair share of standout performances and bold political statements, one name echoed loudest: Kendrick Lamar. The Compton-born rapper swept up five of the night’s biggest trophies, cementing his reign at the top of hip-hop and beyond.
All the Winners of BET Awards 2025
| Highlight | Stat or Quote |
|---|---|
| Kendrick Lamar wins 5 awards | “He’s the undisputed force of the year,” BET CEO said |
| Mariah Carey honored as Ultimate Icon | “A career that shaped generations,” presenters praised |
| Doechii uses speech to blast ICE raids | “We won’t stay silent,” she said onstage |
The BET Awards 2025 felt bigger than a music celebration—it was a cultural checkpoint. Kendrick’s victories reinforced his creative dominance, but it was the emotional moments, like Jamie Foxx’s comeback and Doechii’s truth-to-power speech, that gave the night its soul.
Kendrick Lamar’s Mic-Drop Night
Kendrick kicked off the night strong with Album of the Year for “GNX,” a searing, socially conscious album hailed as his best yet. His track “Not Like Us” snagged Video of the Year, and his creative collaboration with SZA on “Luther” earned Best Collaboration.
He didn’t even have to show up in person—his dominance spoke volumes on its own.
As someone who’s covered hip-hop for over a decade, I’ve never seen an artist control both message and media like Kendrick does. His visuals are as sharp as his verses—and that dual artistry was rightfully rewarded with Video Director of the Year alongside Dave Free.
Other Big Winners of the Night
While Lamar took top honors, the BET Awards 2025 offered a wide spectrum of winners, each reflecting the diverse vibrancy of Black culture.
Music Highlights
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: SZA
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown
- Best Group: Future & Metro Boomin
- Best New Artist: Leon Thomas III
- Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Doechii
- Best Gospel/Inspirational: GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin & Maverick City Music
Doechii’s win came with a fiery speech denouncing recent ICE operations in L.A., calling out former President Trump’s policies: “We’re not just here to perform. We’re here to speak truth.”
Film, TV & Icons
- Best Movie: Luther: Never Too Much
- Best Actor: Denzel Washington
- Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo
- Ultimate Icon Awards: Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, Kirk Franklin
Mariah Carey skipped the red carpet but stole the show in a dazzling gold ensemble for her tribute set. Jamie Foxx, visibly emotional, reflected on his health struggles and recovery: “This second chance—I’m not turning it down.”
Youth & Sports Awards
- YoungStars Award: Blue Ivy Carter
- Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts
From Beyoncé’s daughter to rising sports phenoms, the night highlighted new legacies in the making.
Performance Recap
From Kevin Hart’s wisecracks to powerhouse performances by GloRilla, Usher, and Summer Walker, the energy inside the Peacock Theater was electric. The crowd danced, cried, and cheered in equal measure.
