The biggest night in Black culture is right around the corner—and it’s about to be bigger, bolder, and more unforgettable than ever. The BET Awards, the night where the Black community in the United States (and beyond) comes together to celebrate, honor, and uplift the most talented Black creators, innovators, and icons, is marking a major milestone: its 25th anniversary.
This year, Culture’s Biggest Night will be aired live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, on Monday, June 9th, as against the usual Sundays it airs normally. This move to Monday was done in consideration to the Tony Awards which has been slated to air on Sunday, June 8th. Change is in the air, but so is excitement.
And guess who’s hosting? None other than the hilarious comedian, multi-talented actor, powerhouse producer, two-time New York Times bestselling author, and four-time Emmy winner: Kevin Hart. BET dropped the news on April 22nd with a teaser video showing Kevin hilariously making his way through various iconic sets, including Jennifer Hudson’s “Spirit Tunnel.”
With Kevin at the helm, we’re expecting big laughs, jaw-dropping moments, infectious energy, and, of course, a night packed with heart and soul. I mean—it’s Kevin Hart. Enough said.
Speaking about his hosting the BET, Kevin said, “I love a celebration, it’s a chance to reflect, cherish, and honor life’s unforgettable moments. I’m truly honored to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate the culture’s biggest night. This year marks the 25th anniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE are pulling out all the stops to make it a night to remember. Tune in live on June 9th, only on BET”. Kevin is super excited about hosting Culture’s Biggest Night and if I were the one, I would be too.
With its inaugural award celebration held at the Paris Las Vegas Resort, and hosted by legendary comedians, Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer, on June 19th 2001, 25 years ago, the BET Awards have become one of the most influential nights in Black culture, born out of the sheer need to honor the brilliance, creativity, and contributions of Black artists and entertainers, putting Black excellence front and center.
The legendary BET Awards however will start on the 5th of June, leading up to the 8th, with an explosive line up of the biggest, most talented black artist in the industry, some of which include Lil’ Kim, Method Man & Redman, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The Roots, E-40, Raekwon, Goodie Mob, Havoc of Mobb Deep, DJ Quik, Buju Banton, R&B Only, Jagged Edge, Eric Bellinger, Donell Jones and many more. It’s going to be a literal movie, leading up to the 25th celebration of Culture’s Biggest Night- BET.
This year’s Culture Biggest Night is going with the fashion theme ‘A Black Tie Affair’ and honestly, I can’t wait to see all the magic that the talented blackBET community, alongside their super awesome stylist are going to bring to BET Awards red carpet. I bet it’s going to be a showdown of Black Ties; I need to get mine ready.
Twenty-five years of consistency. Twenty-five years of raw, unfiltered talent. Twenty-five years of honoring cultural heritage and pushing Black culture to the forefront. It’s truly going to be an unforgettable night with a star-studded line up guests, nominees, and performers. A night of glamour, laughter, and legacy — June 9th is one for the books.