Comedian and actor Kevin Hart has been set to host the 2025 BET Awards, which are set for June 9 airing live on BET at 8 p.m. EST from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. This year’s edition marks the 25th anniversary of the awards show, which honors the year’s the most influential voices in Black culture across music, film, TV and sports. Nominations and performers announcement for this year’s show are still to come.
Hart shared the news with a trailer, and wrote in a statement: “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 culture’s biggest night.”
Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, said: “Kevin Hart is a powerhouse of an entertainer. His impact spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. As we celebrate 25 years of the BET Awards, we couldn’t think of a more dynamic host to lead this historic night. Kevin’s unmatched charisma, comedic brilliance, and deep-rooted connection to our culture make him the perfect choice to commemorate this milestone event.”
BET president and CEO Scott Mills adds: “For over a decade, Kevin Hart has been a beloved part of the BET family, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him return to host the 25th anniversary BET Awards. His unparalleled talent, infectious energy and deep connection to our audience make him the perfect host for this historic celebration. Kevin has continuously pushed boundaries in entertainment. On the heels of the successful launch of BET+ original series Lil Kev, we are eager to expand our partnership and continue to bring groundbreaking projects to life.”
Kendrick Lamar leads the nominees with 10 nominations, including Album of the Year for GNX and best Male Hip Hop Artist. Doechii, Drake, Future and GloRilla follow with six nods apiece, while Metro Boomin scored five and SZA and The Weeknd each earned four nods. A press release stated that: “nominations were selected by the BET Voting Academy, which is comprised of an esteemed group of entertainment professionals and influencers in the fields of music, media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations and creative arts.”
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