2025 BET Awards: Ayra Starr Shines, Kendrick Lamar Dominates – Full Winners List
Nigerian songstress Ayra Starr celebrated a major milestone by winning her very first BET Award. She took home the prestigious Best International Act honor at the 2025 BET Awards held at the Peacock Arena in Los Angeles on Monday night.
After previous near-misses, Starr finally clinched the award, besting notable competitors such as Rema and Tyla. However, the night wasn’t without its bittersweet moments, as she missed out on two other nominations—Best New Artist went to Leon Thomas, while Best Female R&B/Pop Artist was awarded to SZA.
Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian singer Tems, nominated twice in the BET Her category, was edged out by Summer Walker.
The biggest winner of the evening was American rapper Kendrick Lamar, who walked away with five awards from ten nominations.
Here’s the full rundown of winners:
- Album of the Year: GNX — Kendrick Lamar
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: SZA
- Best Group: Future & Metro Boomin
- Best Collaboration: ‘Luther’ — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Doechii
- Video of the Year: ‘Not Like Us’ – Kendrick Lamar
- Video Director of the Year: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
- Best New Artist: Leon Thomas
- Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: ‘Rain Down on Me’ — GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
- Viewer’s Choice Award: ‘Residuals’ — Chris Brown
- BET Her: ‘Heart of a Woman’ — Summer Walker
- Best International Act: Ayra Starr
- Best New International Act: TXC (South Africa)
- Best Movie: Luther: Never Too Much
- Best Actor: Denzel Washington
- Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo
- Young Stars Award: Blue Ivy Carter
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts
- Sportswoman of the Year Award: Angel Reese
The 2025 BET Awards proved to be a night of celebration, with stars like Ayra Starr and Kendrick Lamar taking center stage and making waves across the entertainment world.