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2021 BET Awards: Tributes, Lifetime Achievement & the ‘Year of the Black Woman’
BET Celebrates “Culture’s Biggest Night” with Event Ceremony
It has been difficult to know what to expect from large events over the last year and a half. And to put it lightly, award ceremonies seem to hit or miss as of late. However, the spectrum is massive, and “hit” and “miss” are at the far end of either side.
Just ask anyone who had the luxury of watching the Academy Award Ceremony earlier this year.
The anticipation for Sunday night’s 21st annual BET awards ceremony was no different. The outcome, however, was a stunning affair, replete with worthy nominees and stellar performances. The event took place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and was hosted by award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson.
courtesy of BET
“Celebrating Black women isn’t a fad or a trend, it’s a forever mood,” Henson said, during her opening speech. “There is more than enough room for all of us to thrive because can’t nobody be like me and can’t nobody be like you.”
Honoring the night’s theme, the “Year of the Black Woman,” would not be complete without a well-deserved “Lifetime Achievement Award.” And who better to receive the honor than Queen Latifah? The lauded rapper-turned-actress showed her gratitude by delivering an emotional speech.
“I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful Blackness to thrive, to shine,” she said.
The event also saw a posthumous “Best Actor Award” go to the late, great Chadwick Boseman. And to cap it off, a tribute to legendary rapper DMX, who died from a heart attack this year, was performed. Rappers Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Swizz Beatz and Michael K. Williams took to the stage to honor the late MC.
You can watch the full awards ceremony right here. For a list of 2021’s winners, click here.
And don’t forget to check out Hannah Botnick’s recount of Cardi B’s announcement!
