The BET Awards is an annual award show established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network. It celebrates the achievements of Black entertainers and other minorities in various fields, including music, film, sports, and philanthropy. The awards ceremony features performances by renowned artists and is broadcast live on BET.
2001: First BET Award Trophy Awarded
The first BET Award trophy, designed by artist Carlos "Mare139" Rodriguez, was awarded to Outkast at the inaugural ceremony in 2001.
2001: Inaugural BET Awards
The first BET Awards ceremony was held in 2001, created by the Black Entertainment Television network to honor Black entertainers and other minorities across music, film, sports, and philanthropy.
2001: First BET Awards Held at Paris Las Vegas
The inaugural BET Awards in 2001 took place at the Paris Las Vegas resort on the Las Vegas Strip.
2002: BET Awards Move to Kodak Theatre
The BET Awards moved to the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood for 2002.
2002: BET Humanitarian Award Introduced
The BET Humanitarian Award was established in 2002 to honor celebrity philanthropists for their time and financial contributions to charitable causes.
2005: Last BET Awards at Kodak Theatre
The 2005 BET Awards marked the last ceremony held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
2006: BET Awards Move to Shrine Auditorium
Starting in 2006, the BET Awards ceremonies were held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
2007: BET Award Trophy Design Enhanced
In 2007, the design of the BET Award trophy was enhanced by Society Awards, a New York firm. They improved the trophy's quality using plated steel and black crystal.
2012: Final BET Awards at Shrine Auditorium
The 2012 BET Awards was the last ceremony to be held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
2013: BET Awards Move to Nokia Theatre
In 2013, the BET Awards ceremony was moved to the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live.
2015: Ultimate Icon Award Introduced
The BET Ultimate Icon Award was introduced in 2015, recognizing veteran artists with iconic careers and significant contributions to music, dance, and music videos.
2015: First Ultimate Icon Award Presented
The inaugural BET Ultimate Icon Award was presented at the fifteenth annual BET Awards in 2015.
2017: Most BET Award Nominations Announced
The performers, athletes, and actors with five or more BET Award nominations were announced in 2017. At the time, Beyoncé held the record for the most nominations with 81, including her work as a solo artist and with Destiny's Child.
2018: Eighteenth Annual BET Awards
The eighteenth annual BET Awards, which included the Ultimate Icon Award, took place in 2018.
2021: Most BET Award Wins Announced
The individuals with the most BET Award wins were announced in 2021.