History of BET Awards in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2025

The BET Awards, established in 2001 by Black Entertainment Television, is an annual American award show honoring Black entertainers and minorities across music, film, sports, and philanthropy. Broadcast live on BET, the ceremony features performances and recognizes achievements in various fields, with the most popular awards presented during the televised event.

2001: Establishment of the BET Awards

In 2001, the Black Entertainment Television network established the BET Awards. This American award show was created to celebrate Black entertainers and other minorities in music, film, sports, and philanthropy. The awards are presented annually and broadcast live on BET.

2001: First BET Award Trophy Design

In 2001, the first BET Award trophy, inspired by "aspire, ascend, achieve", was designed by artist/sculptor Carlos "Mare139" Rodriguez. Outkast won the first award using this trophy.

2001: Inaugural Ceremony Location

In 2001, the inaugural BET Awards ceremony was held at the Paris Las Vegas resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

2002: BET Awards at the Kodak Theatre

In 2002, the BET Awards were held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

2002: Creation of the BET Award Humanitarian Award

In 2002, the category for the BET Award Humanitarian Award was created at the second annual BET Awards. This award is given to a celebrity philanthropist who donates their time and money to a charitable cause.

2005: BET Awards at the Kodak Theatre

In 2005, the BET Awards were held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

2006: BET Awards at the Shrine Auditorium

In 2006, the BET Awards were held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

2007: Enhancement of the Award Trophy

In 2007, Society Awards, a New York firm and manufacturer of the BET Award trophy, enhanced its quality by using plated steel and black crystal.

2012: BET Awards at the Shrine Auditorium

In 2012, the BET Awards were held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

2013: BET Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

In 2013, the BET Awards ceremony was moved to the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live.

2015: Creation of the Ultimate Icon Award

In 2015, at the fifteenth annual BET Awards, the category of the Ultimate Icon Award was created. It is given to a veteran artist whose career is deemed iconic by fans and critics alike for their notable contributions in the music, dance and music video fields.

2017: Most Nominations Statistics

As of 2017, Beyoncé has the most nominations with 81 nominations, both solo and with Destiny's Child.

2018: Ultimate Icon Award

In 2018, at the eighteenth annual BET Awards, the Ultimate Icon Award was presented to a veteran artist whose career is deemed iconic by fans and critics alike for their notable contributions in the music, dance and music video fields.