Jamie Foxx’s Emotional Comeback
At the 25th BET Awards in Los Angeles, Jamie Foxx received the prestigious Ultimate Icon Award, marking a triumphant return after suffering a near‑fatal stroke in April 2023. Presented by Stevie Wonder, Foxx broke down during his acceptance speech, calling it his “second chance” at life. He offered heartfelt thanks to his sister Deidra and his daughters Corinne and Anelise—singling out Anelise’s hospital guitar performance as a turning point in his recovery en.wikipedia.org+15people.com+15pagesix.com+15. The emotional moment moved both Foxx and his family to tears.
Kendrick Lamar Dominates
Hip‑hop heavyweight Kendrick Lamar swept multiple awards, claiming Best Male Hip‑Hop Artist, Album of the Year, Video of the Year, and Video Director alongside Dave Free for “Not Like Us.” His wins reflect a career built on lyrical sharpness and cultural influence en.wikipedia.org+13pagesix.com+13nypost.com+13apnews.com+2reuters.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2.
Doechii Speaks Up
Rising star Doechii took home Best Female Hip‑Hop Artist. She used her stage time to address ongoing immigration raids and anti‑protest measures in Los Angeles, urging fans to view her victory as part of a larger fight for justice en.wikipedia.org+2apnews.com+2reuters.com+2.
Mariah Carey & Snoop Dogg Shine
Both legends received the Ultimate Icon Award and delivered memorable moments. Carey lit up the stage with glamour and vocal prowess, performing new song “Type Dangerous.” Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg closed the night with an eight‑minute set tracing three decades of hits nypost.com+4power98fm.com+4ew.com+4.
Host Kevin Hart Delivers, Hits a Nerve
Kevin Hart opened the show with unfiltered humour, joking about Sean “Diddy” Combs and Kanye West, referencing recent controversies. He also paused to celebrate the remarkable contributions of female rappers, praising Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, and others power98fm.com+1nypost.com+1.
106 & Park Reunion
The awards honoured the 2000s staple “106 & Park” with a surprise reunion. Former hosts and performers like Bow Wow, Ashanti, Amerie, Keyshia Cole, and B2K brought nostalgia and energy back to the stage reuters.com+2power98fm.com+2apnews.com+2.
Cultural Pulse Check
This was more than entertainment—it was a statement. From Foxx’s moving testimony of survival to Doechii’s political call‑out, the show married creativity with activism. It reaffirmed BET’s platform as a space to celebrate Black resilience, excellence, and cultural influence
Here is the list of winners in full:
- Best female R&B/pop artist – SZA
- Best male R&B/pop artist – Chris Brown
- Best group – Future & Metro Boomin
- Best collaboration – Luther – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
- 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
- Album of the year – GNX – Kendrick Lamar
- 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 (basketball)
- Sportsman of the year – Jalen Hurts (football)
- BET Her award – Heart of a Woman – Summer Walker
