Kendrick Lamar accepts Album of the Year for “GNX” onstage during the 2025 BET Awards at Peacock Theatre on June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California./ Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Kendrick Lamar dominated the 2025 BET Awards on June 9 at Los Angeles’ iconic Peacock Theatre, emerging as the top winner of the night. From 10 nominations, Lamar secured five wins, including Album of the Year for his acclaimed project GNX, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Best Collaboration (“Luther” with SZA), Video of the Year (“Not Like Us”), and Video Director of the Year with longtime collaborator Dave Free.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ayra Starr made Africa proud by taking home the Best International Act award, solidifying Afrobeats’ global dominance. SZA also had a big night, winning Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and sharing the stage with Lamar for their collaborative win.
Ayra Starr Wins Big as Kendrick Lamar Dominates 2025 BET Awards
Here’s the full list of winners from the 2025 BET Awards:
Music Categories
Album of the Year
GNX—Kendrick Lamar
Nominees: Drake & Partynextdoor, Chris Brown, Doechii, Beyoncé, GloRilla, The Weeknd, Future & Metro Boomin
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 & SZA
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Doechii
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Kendrick Lamar
Video of the Year
“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year
Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist
Leon Thomas
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
“Rain Down on Me” — GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
Viewer’s Choice Award
“Residuals” — Chris Brown
Best International Act
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Best New International Act
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
BET Her
“Heart of a Woman” — Summer Walker
FILM & TV
Best Movie
Luther: Never Too Much
Best Actor
Denzel Washington
Best Actress
Cynthia Erivo
Young Stars Award
Blue Ivy Carter
SPORTS
Sportswoman of the Year
Angel Reese
Sportsman of the Year
Jalen Hurts
From award-winning albums to rising stars and powerful tributes to African excellence, the 2025 BET Awards proved once again that Black culture is not just influential—it’s leading the way globally.