The 2022 BET Awards were back in full force on Sunday night, June 26, hosted by award-winning actress, Taraji P. Henson.
The network’s 21st ceremony and television broadcast featured a live audience as it honored talents across music, television, film and sports at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
The event — which featured performances from artists including Latto, Doechii, Jack Harlow and Chlöe — also honored Sean “Diddy” Combs with a Lifetime Achievement Award, accompanied by a star-studded tribute performance from Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Nas, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, The Lox, Bryson Tiller, Faith Evans and The Maverick City Choir.
SEE ALSO: The Most Daring Looks At The BET Awards Red Carpet
Kanye West was on hand to present Combs with the award in a surprise appearance, having kept a low profile since April after being barred from performing at the Grammy Awards due to his disturbing social media attacks on ex-wife Kim Kardashian’s new boyfriend, Pete Davidson.
While West’s entire face was obscured by a black stocking mask, mirrored shades, and a pulled-low baseball cap, there was no mistaking his identity — especially when he delivered one of his typically lengthy, colorful speeches.
“I go to him for advice to this day. He inspires so many of my choices, so many of my life choices,” West said. “This man has been through and survived a lot of stuff and broke down a lot of doors so we can be standing.”
West’s speech for Diddy, followed an epic all-star performance featuring Mary J. Blige, Nas, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, Faith Evans, Jodeci, the Lox, Bryson Tiller, the Maverick City Choir, and Diddy himself.
Will Smith, who stoked controversy at the Academy Awards by slapping Chris Rock on stage shortly before winning the best actor Oscar, won the BET Award for best actor on Sunday including many surprisingly sweet and sincere moments.
See the full list of winners for the 2021 BET Awards below.
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Ari Lennox
Chlöe
Doja Cat
H.E.R.
Jazmine Sullivan *WINNER
Mary J. Blige
Summer Walker
Best male R&B/Pop Artist
Blxst
Chris Brown
Giveon
Lucky Daye
The Weeknd *WINNER
Wizkid
Yung Bleu
Best Group
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak) *WINNER
Chlöe X Halle
City Girls
Lil Baby & Lil Durk
Migos
Young Dolph & Key Glock
Best Collaboration
Wizkid feat. Justin Bieber & Tems – “Essence” *WINNER
DJ Khaled fest. Lil Baby & Lil Durk – “Every Chance I Get”
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – “Family Ties
Doja Cat feat. SZA – “Kiss Me More”
Drake feat. Future & Young Thug – “Way 2 Sexy”
Bia feat. Nicki Minaj – “Whole Lotta Money (Remix)”
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Doja Cat
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion *WINNER
Nicki Minaj
Saweetie
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Drake
Future
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
Kanye West
Kendrick Lamar *WINNER
Lil Baby
Video of the Year
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – “Family Ties”
Chlöe – “Have Mercy”
Doja Cat feat. SZA – “Kiss Me More”
Ari Lennox – “Pressure”
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) – “Smokin Out The Window” *WINNER
Drake feat. Future & Young Thug – “Way 2 Sexy”
Video Director of the Year
Anderson .Paak a.k.a. Director .Paak *WINNER
Benny Boom
Beyoncé & Dikayl Rimmasch
Director X
Hype Williams
Missy Elliott
Best New Artist
Baby Keem
Benny the Butcher
Latto *WINNER
Muni Long
Tems
Yung Bleu
Album of the Year
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) – “An Evening with Silk Sonic” *WINNER
H.E.R. – “Back of My Mind”
Tyler, the Creator – “Call Me If You Get Lost”
Drake – “Certified Lover Boy”
Kanye West – “Donda”
Jazmine Sullivan – “Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe”
Doja Cat – “Planet Her”
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Marvin Sapp – “All In Your Hands”
Kanye West – “Come to Life”
Kelly Price – “Grace”
Fred Hammond – “Hallelujah”
H.E.R. & Tauren Wells – “Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)”
Election Worship & Maverick City Music – “Jireh”
Lil Baby X Kirk Franklin – “We Win” *WINNER
BET Her
Alicia Keys – “Best of Me (Originals)”
Mary J. Blige – “Good Morning Gorgeous” *WINNER
Chlöe – “Have Mercy”
Ari Lennox – “Pressure”
Jazmine Sullivan – “Roster”
Summer Walker & Ari Lennox – “Unloyal”
Doja Cat – “Woman”
Best International Act
Dave (UK)
Dinos (France)
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Fireboy DML (Nigeria)
Little Simz (UK)
Ludmilla (Brazil)
Major League DJZ (South Africa)
Tayc (France)
Tems (Nigeria) *WINNER
Best Movie
“Candyman”
“King Richard” *WINNER
“Respect”
“Space Jam: A New Legacy”
“Summer of Soul”
“The Harder They Fall”
Best Actor
Adrian Holmes – “Bel-Air”
Anthony Anderson – “Black-ish”
Damson Idris – “Snowfall”
Denzel Washington – “The Tragedy of Macbeth”
Forest Whitaker – “Respect” / “Godfather of Harlem”
Jabari Banks – “Bel-Air”
Sterling K. Brown – “This Is Us”
Will Smith – “King Richard” *WINNER
Best Actress
Aunjanue Ellis – “King Richard”
Coco Jones – “Bel-Air”
Issa Rae – “Insecure”
Jennifer Hudson – “Respect”
Mary J. Blige – “Power Book II: Ghost”
Queen Latifah – “The Equalizer”
Quinta Brunson – “Abbott Elementary”
Regina King – “The Harder They Fal”
Zendaya – “Euphoria” / “Spider-Man: No Way Home” *WINNER
Youngstars Award
Akira Akbar
Demi Singleton
Miles Brown
Saniyya Sidney
Storm Reid
Marsai Martin *WINNER
Sportswoman of the Year Award
Brittney Griner
Candace Parker
Naomi Osaka *WINNER
Serena Williams
Sha’Carri Richardson
Simone Biles
Sportsman of the Year Award
Aaron Donald
Bubba Wallace
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Ja Morant
LeBron James
Stephen Curry *WINNER
