As hosted by Leslie Jones (who did a just-okay job), the BET Awards were held last night (June 26, 2017) at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The night was full of great performances with show opener Bruno Mars and Xscape providing the event’s most entertaining performances. French Montana and Swae Lee’s performance of “Unforgettable” was also noteworthy because it included an appearance by some of the Ugandan dancers who appeared in the music video.
In addition to music, Michelle Obama also appeared, on video anyway, to congratulate Chance the Rapper on his humanitarian award, a moment that made our hearts hurt, a reminder of how badly we miss having her in the White House.
One of the most hotly anticipated awards was for best female rapper, which went to Remy Ma, who was up against a field that included Cardi B, Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj and Young M.A. Prior to the event, Minaj let it be known she wouldn’t be attending, perhaps signaling she knew she wouldn’t take home the award, one she’s won every year since 2010.
The show included a fair amount of glitchy moments, including technical difficulties at the start of SZA’s performance. As well, some drama was provided by a mild dust up that occurred behind the scenes when “Everyday Struggle” host Joe Budden dropped his mic and walked off the set in the midst of an interview with Migos.
Following the show, there was also a dust up between Migos and Chris Brown’s crew.
Check out all the reward recipients below plus some video highlights below.
Humanitarian Award: Chance the Rapper
Lifetime Achievement Award: New Edition
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Beyoncé
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Bruno Mars
Viewers’ Choice Award: Beyoncé
Best Group: Migos
Best Collaboration: Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert: “Bad and Boujee”
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Remy Ma
Video of the Year: Beyoncé: “Sorry”
Video Director of the Year: Kahlil Joseph & Beyoncé:”Sorry”
Best New Artist: Chance the Rapper
Best Actress: Taraji P. Henson
Best Actor: Mahershala Ali
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: Lecrae: “Can’t Stop Me Now (Destination)”
Youngstars Award: Yara Shahidi
Best Movie: Hidden Figures
Sportswomen of the Year: Serena Williams
Sportsman of the Year: Stephen Curry
Centric Award: Solange: “Cranes in the Sky”
Album of the Year: Beyoncé: Lemonade
Best International Act: Europe: Stormzy
Best International Act: Africa: Wizkid
Bruno Mars:
Chris Brown:
Mary J. Blige & A$AP Rocky
Xscape
SZA