Kendrick, Doechii & Blue Ivy Dominate: Full Winners Recap from the 2025 BET Awards
- Miracle Winston Esin
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
The 2025 BET Awards were a masterclass in Black excellence—from soul-stirring speeches and nostalgic tributes to fashion moments that lit up the timeline. But at the heart of it all? The winners. A mix of longtime legends and rising voices, this year’s honorees reminded us just how deep, wide, and unstoppable Black talent really is.
Here’s the full rundown of who won what—and why the culture is still in good hands.
Music: Kendrick’s Reign, Doechii’s Moment & SZA’s Soul
Let’s get one thing clear: Kendrick Lamar owned the night. The Compton lyricist walked away with five major wins—including Album of the Year for GNX, Video of the Year for the seismic “Not Like Us,” and Best Male Hip Hop Artist. And in true Kendrick fashion, it wasn’t just about the accolades—it was about artistry, message, and momentum.
Meanwhile, Doechii’s win for Best Female Hip Hop Artist felt like a torch being passed. The Florida-born rapper used her acceptance speech to call out police violence in Los Angeles—turning her spotlight into a moment of truth. It was raw. It was bold. It was hip-hop.
Other major wins included:
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
Best Collaboration: Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “Luther”
Film & TV: Denzel & Cynthia Snatch the Spotlight
The big screen wasn’t left out. Luther: Never Too Much, the Marvin Gaye biopic starring Damson Idris, snagged Best Movie, while Denzel Washington and Cynthia Erivo took home top acting honors.
Erivo’s win comes at a time when her name is ringing out from Broadway to big screens. And Denzel? Well, it’s Denzel. His presence alone is legendary—his win was just a reminder.
Legacy & Iconic Wins: Blue Ivy, Ayra Starr, and That Icon Lineup
There was no shortage of flowers this year. The Ultimate Icon Award was split four ways—going to Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg. The crowd gave Jamie a standing ovation, especially as Stevie Wonder presented the award amid Jamie’s continued recovery.
Other powerful wins:
YoungStars Award: Blue Ivy Carter
Best International Act: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Best New International Act: TxC (South Africa)
If that wasn’t enough, Summer Walker earned the BET Her Award for “Heart of a Woman,” and gospel got a spotlight with GloRilla, Kirk Franklin, and Maverick City Music winning for “Rain Down on Me.”
In Sports: Angel Reese and Jalen Hurts Keep Winning
In the sports world, Angel Reese was crowned Sportswoman of the Year, while Jalen Hurts’ Super Bowl run and growing cultural clout earned him Sportsman of the Year. Both athletes are as known for their influence off the field as on it—and BET made sure to celebrate that.
Final Word: The Culture Is Still in Bloom
The 2025 BET Awards proved that Black culture continues to birth icons, push boundaries, and speak truth to power. Whether you were vibing to a 106 & Park throwback set, snapping fashion photos from the portrait studio, or tearing up during Jamie Foxx’s moment—this year’s winners made it clear:
The culture doesn’t just win. It leads. Always.
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