The 5 Biggest Surprises: Who Hosted The BET Awards And What's Next For 2026?

The BET Awards, known as "Culture's Biggest Night," is an annual event that celebrates the best in Black entertainment, music, film, and sports. As of December 12, 2025, the most recent ceremony, the 25th Annual BET Awards, which took place on Monday, June 9, 2025, was hosted by the legendary actor and comedian, Kevin Hart. His return to the iconic stage marked a significant moment for the ceremony, blending his signature high-energy comedy with powerful tributes to Black excellence. The event was held live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.

The choice of host is always a major talking point, as they set the tone for the entire evening, guiding the audience through electrifying performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and high-stakes award presentations. Kevin Hart, a veteran of the stage, brought a familiar yet fresh energy to the milestone 25th-anniversary show, following a recent tradition of dynamic and multi-talented entertainers leading the charge.

The Man Behind the Mic: Kevin Hart’s Return to the BET Awards Stage

The announcement that Kevin Hart would host the 2025 BET Awards generated immediate buzz, marking his second time leading the ceremony since his first run in 2011. Hart, an entertainment mogul and one of the biggest names in comedy and film, was a perfect fit for the 25th-anniversary celebration, which focused heavily on honoring legacy and cultural impact. His presence ensured a night filled with sharp wit, memorable skits, and a genuine appreciation for the artists being celebrated.

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Kevin Hart: Biography and Career Highlights

• Full Name: Kevin Darnell Hart
• Date of Birth: July 6, 1979
• Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Occupation: Comedian, Actor, Producer, Businessman
• Notable Films: Jumanji series, Central Intelligence, Ride Along series, Get Hard, Fatherhood
• Stand-up Specials: Seriously Funny, Laugh at My Pain, Let Me Explain, What Now?
• Hosting Duties: BET Awards (2011, 2025), MTV Video Music Awards, Saturday Night Live
• Business Ventures: HartBeat Productions, Laugh Out Loud Network

Hart's hosting style is characterized by rapid-fire jokes and an ability to engage directly with the A-list audience, making the 2025 show feel intimate yet grand. His performance was a key highlight of the night, which saw major cultural moments and the crowning of new entertainment royalty.

A Legacy of Excellence: The Recent History of BET Awards Hosts

While the spotlight was firmly on Kevin Hart for the 25th ceremony, the BET Awards have maintained a tradition of selecting hosts who are not only talented but also deeply connected to the culture. This focus on dynamic, multi-hyphenate entertainers ensures the show remains relevant and unpredictable. The recent history of hosts demonstrates a mix of returning favorites and fresh faces, each bringing their unique flavor to the annual event.

Recent BET Awards Hosts (2020–2025)

The following list highlights the entertainers who have recently taken on the demanding role of hosting the BET Awards, showcasing the diversity of talent celebrated by the network:

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• 2025: Kevin Hart. The comedian returned for the 25th-anniversary show, delivering a high-energy and memorable performance.
• 2024: Taraji P. Henson. The actress and producer captivated audiences, hosting the show for the fourth time. Her ability to blend humor with powerful cultural commentary was a major draw.
• 2023: No Host. Following a three-year run by Taraji P. Henson, the 2023 ceremony opted to forgo a traditional host, relying instead on multiple presenters to guide the show.
• 2022: Taraji P. Henson. She returned for her second consecutive year, solidifying her status as a modern BET Awards icon.
• 2021: Taraji P. Henson. She took over the hosting duties, ushering the show back into an in-person format following the pandemic.
• 2020: Amanda Seales. The comedian and actress hosted the first-ever virtual BET Awards ceremony, skillfully navigating the challenges of a remote broadcast during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This rotation of hosts, including the multi-year tenure of Taraji P. Henson and the return of Kevin Hart, emphasizes BET's commitment to star power and cultural resonance in its biggest night of the year.

Beyond the Host: Biggest Winners, Performers, and What’s Next for the BET Awards

While the host is the ringmaster of the event, the BET Awards’ true significance lies in the artists, athletes, and cultural figures it honors. The 2025 ceremony, hosted by Kevin Hart, was a landmark event that saw several major artists dominate the night, setting the stage for future award shows.

The Biggest Moments and Entities from the 2025 Ceremony

The 2025 BET Awards were a showcase of current hip-hop and R&B dominance, featuring a star-studded lineup of performers and nominees. The energy of the night was fueled by the achievements of several key figures in the music industry, boosting the show’s topical authority.

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• Kendrick Lamar's Dominance: Rapper Kendrick Lamar was the undisputed biggest winner of the night. He led the nominations with 10 nods and took home four major prizes, including the coveted Album of the Year for his project, *GNX*.
• Major Performances: The stage was set ablaze by performances from top-tier artists, including Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas.
• Fan Favorite: Chris Brown secured the Viewers' Choice Award, highlighting his continued popularity with the BET audience. Other major nominees included Drake, Future & Metro Boomin, SZA, Doechii, and Latto.
• The Venue: The ceremony was held at the Peacock Theater (formerly the Microsoft Theater), which has become the consistent home base for the annual celebration in Los Angeles.

Looking Ahead: Who Will Host the BET Awards 2026?

For fans already looking forward to the next installment of "Culture's Biggest Night," the planning for the 2026 BET Awards is already underway. As of now, the host for the 2026 ceremony has yet to be officially announced. This is a highly anticipated reveal, as the network often waits until closer to the event to drop the news.

• Tentative Date: The BET Awards 2026 is tentatively scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
• Location: The show is expected to return to its home at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.
• Host Status: The host is currently listed as "TBA" (To Be Announced). Speculation is already mounting on whether a former host like Taraji P. Henson or Kevin Hart will return, or if a fresh face—perhaps a major name like Ice Spice, Megan Thee Stallion, or another multi-talented artist—will take the reins.

The selection process for the 2026 host will undoubtedly focus on finding an individual who can capture the cultural zeitgeist and deliver a show that lives up to the high standards set by the 25th anniversary. Keep an eye on official BET announcements for the latest news on the host, nominees, and performers for the next celebration of Black excellence.