FULL LIST: Ayra Starr, Others Shine at BET Awards

The 25th edition of the BET Awards, celebrated as culture’s biggest night, lit up the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, June 9—and Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr made a powerful statement on the global stage

With three nominations to her name, Ayra Starr stood out among this year’s top contenders, earning recognition alongside industry heavyweights like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and Tyler, the Creator. Her nominations underscored her rising influence not just in Afrobeats, but in the broader international music scene.

The 2025 BET Awards saw Kendrick Lamar leading the pack with 10 nominations, followed by Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla with six each. Metro Boomin scored five nods, while SZA and The Weeknd earned four apiece.

Hosted by comedian and actor Kevin Hart, who returned after first hosting in 2011, the night was a tribute to 25 years of Black excellence in music, film, and culture. Hart promised and delivered an evening filled with unforgettable performances, moving tributes, and moments that captured the vibrancy of the culture.

Ayra Starr joined a powerhouse lineup of performers and nominees who represented the diversity and global reach of Black music today. Her presence at the show marked a milestone not just for her career, but for African artists continuing to make waves on international platforms.

BET Awards 2025: Full List of Categories and Winners

Music Awards

• Album of the Year
  Winner: “GNX” – Kendrick Lamar
• Best Male Hip Hop Artist
  Winner: Kendrick Lamar
• Best Female Hip Hop Artist
  Winner: Doechii
• Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
  Winner: Chris Brown
• Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
  Winner: SZA
• Best Group
  Winner: Future & Metro Boomin
• Best Collaboration
  Winner: “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA

Video Awards

• Video of the Year
  Winner: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• Video Director of the Year
  Winner: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar

New and Emerging Talent

• Best New Artist
  Winner: Leon Thomas
• BET Her Award
  Winner: “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker

Inspirational Music

• Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
  Winner: “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin & Maverick City Music

Film and Acting

• Best Movie
  Winner: “Luther: Never Too Much”
• Best Actor
  Winner: Denzel Washington
• Best Actress
  Winner: Cynthia Erivo
• YoungStars Award
  Winner: Blue Ivy Carter

Sports Awards

• Sportsman of the Year
  Winner: Jalen Hurts
• Sportswoman of the Year
  Winner: Angel Reese

International Categories

• Best International Act
  Nominees included: Ayra Starr, Rema, Tyla, Black Sherif, Uncle Waffles, and others
• Best New International Act
  Winner: Ajuliacosta (Brazil)

Audience Choice

• Viewer’s Choice Award
  Winner: “Residuals” – Chris Brown.