Coco Jones, Teyana "Spike Tey" Taylor (on smartphone held by Nikki Taylor), Busta Rhymes and LattoParas Griffin / Christopher Polk / Getty Images
BET Awards 2023: SZA and Beyoncé Lead Winners, Tying for Album of the Year
The 2023 BET Awards took place on Sunday at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, honoring the year's top achievements in music, TV, film, and sports. SZA and Beyoncé emerged as the big winners of the night, each receiving three awards, including a tie for the Album of the Year category. The event also commemorated 50 years of Hip Hop, with Busta Rhymes being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Patti LaBelle graced the stage to pay tribute to Tina Turner, but stumbled over the lyrics of "Simply the Best."
In addition to her Album of the Year win, SZA also took home the awards for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for her song "Kill Bill." Beyoncé's track "Break My Soul" secured her victories in both the Viewers Choice Award and the BET Her Award categories. The Male R&B/Pop Artist award resulted in a tie, with Chris Brown and Usher sharing the honor.
In the film category, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" from Disney/Marvel claimed the Best Movie award, while Angela Bassett, who starred in the film, won Best Actress. Damson Idris received the Best Actor award.
Drake garnered two wins, making him one of the night's successful artists. Both he and GloRilla had the highest number of nominations, with seven each.
The evening was marked by memorable moments, including a reunion of Offset and Quavo to pay tribute to the late Migos member Takeoff. Muni Long also used the platform to acknowledge the significance of writers amidst the ongoing WGA strike.
Here is the complete list of winners from the 2023 BET Awards:
- Album of the Year (TIE): "SOS" by SZA and "Renaissance" by Beyoncé
- Best Collaboration: "Wait for U" by Future feat. Drake & Tems
- Best New Artist: Coco Jones
- Best Group: Drake x 21 Savage
- Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Latto
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: "Bless Me" by Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin
- BET Her Award: "Break My Soul" by Beyoncé
- Video of the Year: "Kill Bill" by SZA
- Video Director of the Year: Teyana "Spike Tey" Taylor
- Best Movie: "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"
- Best Actress: Angela Bassett
- Best Actor: Damson Idris
- Youngstars Award: Marsai Martin
- Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts
- Viewer's Choice Award: "Break My Soul" by Beyoncé
- Best International Act: Burna Boy
