The 2023 BET Awards took place on June 25, 2023, celebrating Black excellence in music, film, television, and sports. This star-studded event, often referred to as “Culture’s Biggest Night,” not only highlighted exceptional talent but also marked the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, which added even more significance to the ceremony. Beyoncé and SZA were the biggest winners of the night, each taking home three awards. Their major win was a tie for Album of the Year for their respective albums Renaissance and SOS.
Other standout moments included Usher and Chris Brown also tying for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, and Drake, who was the most-nominated artist of the night, winning in two categories, including Best Group with 21 Savage and Best Collaboration for their song “Wait for U” featuring Future and Tems. In a historic moment, Busta Rhymes received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his decades-long influence in hip-hop and the music industry.
The BET Awards are known for showcasing live performances, and this year was no exception. A slew of stars took to the stage, including Ice Spice, Coco Jones, Offset, and Remy Ma, while Patti LaBelle paid a tribute to the late Tina Turner, bringing an emotional moment to the show.
Here’s a complete list of the winners from the 2023 BET Awards:
Album of the Year
- WINNER: Renaissance – Beyoncé
- WINNER: SOS – SZA
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
- WINNER: SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
- WINNER: Usher
- WINNER: Chris Brown
Best Group
- WINNER: Drake & 21 Savage
Best Collaboration
- WINNER: “Wait For U” — Future feat. Drake & Tems
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
- WINNER: Latto
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
- WINNER: Kendrick Lamar
Video of the Year
- WINNER: “Kill Bill” — SZA
Best New Artist
- WINNER: Coco Jones
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
- WINNER: “Bless Me” — Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin
Viewer’s Choice Award
- WINNER: “Break My Soul” — Beyoncé
Best International Act
- WINNER: Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act
- WINNER: Libianca (Cameroon)
BET Her Award
- WINNER: “Break My Soul” — Beyoncé
Best Movie
- WINNER: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Best Actor
- WINNER: Damson Idris
Best Actress
- WINNER: Angela Bassett
YoungStars Award
- WINNER: Marsai Martin
Sportswoman of the Year Award
- WINNER: Angel Reese
Sportsman of the Year Award
- WINNER: Jalen Hurts
Lifetime Achievement Award
- WINNER: Busta Rhymes
These awards honored the incredible talent across various fields, highlighting individuals who’ve contributed significantly to the culture, music, sports, and entertainment industries. The night was a testament to the enduring influence of Black artistry and excellence across the globe.