Yesterday, 26th June 2016, the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles was packed full with entertainers for the 16th BET Awards.
Queen Bey opened the show performing Freedom with Kendrick Lamar. The performance featured the 50+ foot long pool that is included in her set during The Formation World Tour, where she and her backup dancers perform the choreography barefoot.
The show honored different artists, actors, and athletes across 20 categories. Wizkid and Falz were among a few selected Nigerians who came home with some awards.
During the event, BET paid tribute to some legendary heroes like Stevie Wonder, Maxwell, Erykah Badu, Sheila E. A Tribute also went to Prince With The Roots by a slew of artists, including Jennifer Hudson and Stevie Wonder. Beyonce did a surprise performance with Kendrick Lamar, and also bagged multiple awards courtesy of her most recent Lemonade album.
Samuel L. Jackson received the Lifetime Achievement Award while Jesse Williams of Grey’s Anatomy was given the Humanitarian Award.
BET Awards: Here is the Full List, Nominees, and Winner’s
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Nominees: Adele, Andra Day, K. Michelle, Rihanna, Beyonce
WINNER: Beyonce
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Nominees: Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Jeremih, The Weeknd, Tyrese
WINNER: Bryson Tiller
Best Group
Nominees: 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne, Drake & Future, Puff Daddy & the Family, Rae Sremmurd, The Internet
WINNER: Drake & Future
Best Collaboration
Nominees: Rihanna ft. Drake – “Work”
Big Sean ft. Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign – “Play No Games”
Big Sean ft. Kanye West & John Legend – “One Man Can Change the World”
Future ft. Drake – “Where Ya At”
Nicki Minaj ft. Beyonce – “Feeling Myself”
WINNER: Rihanna ft. Drake – “Work”
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Nominees: Fetty Wap, Future, J. Cole, Drake, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar
WINNER: Drake
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Nominees: Dej Loaf, Lil Kim, Missy Elliott, Remy Ma, Nicki Minaj
WINNER: Nicki Minaj
Video of the Year
Nominees: Beyonce – “Formation”
Bryson Tiller – “Don’t”
Drake – “Hotline Bling”
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
Rihanna ft. Drake – “Work”
WINNER: Beyonce – “Formation”
Video Director of the Year
Nominees: Benny Boom, Director X, Chris Brown, Colin Tilley and the Little Homies, Hype Williams
WINNER: Director X
Best New Artist
Nominees: Alessia Cara, Andra Day, Bryson Tiller, Kehlani, Tory Lanez
WINNER: Bryson Tiller
Dr Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Nominees: Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, Erica Campbell, Lecrae, Kirk Franklin, Tamela Mann, Tasha Cobbs
WINNER: Kirk Franklin
Best Actress
Nominees: Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Taraji P. Henson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Viola Davis,
WINNER: Taraji P. Henson
Best Actor
Nominees: Anthony Anderson, Michael B. Jordan, Courtney B. Vance, Idris Elba, O’Shea Jackson Jr.
WINNER: Michael B. Jordan
YoungStars Award
Nominees: Quvenzhane Wallis, Silento, Willow Smith, Amandla Stenberg, Yara Shahidi
See Also: Top 15 Most Celebrated African Musicians, Guess
Who Topped The List
WINNER: Amandla Stenberg
Best Movie
Nominees: Beasts of No Nation, Concussion, Straight Outta Compton, Creed, Dope
WINNER: Straight Outta Compton
Sportsman of the Year
Nominees: Stephen Curry, Cam Newton, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Odell Beckham Jr.
WINNER: Stephen Curry
Sportswoman of the Year
Nominees: Cheyenne Woods, Serena Williams, Gabrielle Douglas, Skylar Diggins, Venus Williams
WINNER: Serena Williams
Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
Nominees: Beyonce – “Formation”
Bryson Tiller – “Don’t”
Chris Brown – “Back to Sleep”
Drake – “Hotline Bling”
Future ft. Drake – “Where Ya At”
Rihanna ft. Drake – “Work”
WINNER: Beyonce – “Formation”
Centric Award
Nominees: Beyonce – “Formation”
Andra Day – “Rise Up”
K. Michelle – “Not a Little Bit”
Rihanna – “BBHMM”
The Internet – “Under Control”
WINNER: Beyonce – “Formation”
Best International Act Africa
Nominees: AKA (South Africa)
Black Coffee (South Africa)
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Mzvee (Ghana)
Serge Beynaud (Cote D’Ivoire)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
WINNER: Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best International Act UK
Nominees: Skepta
Kano
Krept & Konan
Lianne La Havas
Stormzy
Tinie Tempah
WINNER: Skepta
BET Viewer’s Choice Best International Act Award
Winner: Falz
About BET Awards
The BET Awards was established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network (BET) to celebrate African Americans and other people of black heritage who have made landmarks in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year.
The awards are presented annually and are broadcast live on BET. The annual presentation ceremony features performances by artists, and some of the awards of more popular interest are presented in a televised ceremony.
The Award Trophy was designed by artist/sculptor Carlos “Mare139” Rodriguez. OutKast, who won the first award trophy during the first ceremony in 2001. The quality and design of the trophy were enhanced in 2007 by the Society Awards, the New York firm who manufacturers the award, using plated steel and black crystal.