The 2017 BET Awards celebrated the achievements and influence of Black culture on Sunday night, June 25, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony honored music, film, television, sports and humanitarian work, recognizing artists and public figures who made an impact over the past year. Leslie Jones served as the host for the evening, guiding performances and presentations while the night’s biggest winners were announced.
Pop superstar Beyoncé was among the evening’s top honorees, though she was not in attendance; reports at the time noted she had recently given birth to twins, and her acceptance speeches were read on her behalf. Chance the Rapper also had a standout night: he won Best New Artist and accepted the Humanitarian Award, becoming the youngest recipient of that honor in BET history.
The following is the full winners list from the 2017 BET Awards, presented here for reference and search relevance. Major categories, nominees and winners are indicated below.
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
BEYONCÉ – WINNER
Kehlani
Mary J. Blige
Rihanna
Solange
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
BRUNO MARS – WINNER
Chris Brown
The Weeknd
Trey Songz
Usher
Best Group
2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
A Tribe Called Quest
Fat Joe & Remy Ma
MIGOS – WINNER
Rae Sremmurd
Best Collaboration
Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Freedom”
CHANCE THE RAPPER ft. 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne – “No Problem” – WINNER
Chris Brown ft. Gucci Mane & Usher – “Party”
DJ Khaled ft. Beyoncé & JAY-Z – “Shining”
Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert – “Bad and Boujee”
Rae Sremmurd ft. Gucci Mane – “Black Beatles”
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
Big Sean
Chance the Rapper
Drake
Future
J. Cole
KENDRICK LAMAR – WINNER
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Cardi B
Missy Elliott
Nicki Minaj
REMY MA – WINNER
Young M.A.
Video of the Year
BEYONCÉ – “Sorry” – WINNER (TIE)
Big Sean – “Bounce Back”
BRUNO MARS – “24K Magic” – WINNER (TIE)
Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert – “Bad and Boujee”
Solange – “Cranes in the Sky”
Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom – Kehlani “CRZY”
Bruno Mars & Jonathan Lia – Bruno Mars “That’s What I Like”
Director X – Zayn Malik “Like I Would”
Hype Williams – Tyga “Gucci Snakes” ft. Desiigner
KAHLIL JOSEPH & BEYONCÉ KNOWLES-CARTER – BEYONCÉ “Sorry” – WINNER
Best New Artist
21 Savage
Cardi B
CHANCE THE RAPPER – WINNER
Khalid
Young M.A.
Album of the Year
24K Magic – Bruno Mars
4 Your Eyez Only – J. Cole
A Seat at the Table – Solange
Coloring Book – Chance the Rapper
LEMONADE – BEYONCÉ – WINNER
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
CeCe Winans – “Never Have to Be Alone”
Fantasia ft. Tye Tribbett – “I Made It”
Kirk Franklin ft. Sarah Reeves, Tasha Cobbs & Tamela Mann – “My World Needs You”
LECRAE – “Can’t Stop Me Now (Destination)” – WINNER
Tamela Mann – “God Provides”
Best Actress
Gabrielle Union
Issa Rae
Janelle Monáe
TARAJI P. HENSON – WINNER
Viola Davis
Best Actor
Bryshere Y. Gray
Denzel Washington
Donald Glover
MAHERSHALA ALI – WINNER
Omari Hardwick
YoungStars Award
Ace Hunter
Caleb McLaughlin
Jaden Smith
Marsai Martin
YARA SHAHIDI – WINNER
Best Movie
Fences
Get Out!
HIDDEN FIGURES – WINNER
Moonlight
The Birth of a Nation
Sportswoman of the Year
Gabby Douglas
SERENA WILLIAMS – WINNER
Simone Biles
Skylar Diggins
Venus Williams
Sportsman of the Year
Cam Newton
LeBron James
Odell Beckham Jr.
Russell Westbrook
STEPHEN CURRY – WINNER
Centric Award
Fantasia – “Sleeping With the One I Love”
Kehlani – “Distraction”
Mary J. Blige – “Thick of It”
SOLANGE – “Cranes in the Sky” – WINNER
Syd – “All About Me”
Yuna – “Crush” ft. Usher
Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
BEYONCÉ – “Sorry” – WINNER
Bruno Mars – “24K Magic”
Drake – “Fake Love”
Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert – “Bad and Boujee”
Rae Sremmurd ft. Gucci Mane – “Black Beatles”
The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk – “Starboy”
Best International Act: Europe
Booba (France)
MHD (France)
Craig David (UK)
Emeli Sandé (UK)
Giggs (UK)
Skepta (UK)
STORMZY (UK) – WINNER
Wiley (UK)
Best International Act: Africa
AKA (South Africa)
Babes Wodumo (South Africa)
Davido (Nigeria)
Nasty C (South Africa)
Stonebwoy (Ghana)
Tekno (Nigeria)
WIZKID (Nigeria) – WINNER
Mr Eazi (Nigeria)
These winners reflect a year of crossover hits, cultural milestones and artistic achievements across music, film and sports. The 2017 BET Awards highlighted both established superstars and rising talents, and the ceremony underscored the ongoing influence of Black creativity and leadership in entertainment and beyond.