The BET Awards, which honour the finest in Black entertainment, sports, music, and film, have been the centre of culture for over two decades.
To keep the show going, the audience excited, and the memes flowing, the host (or hosts) is/are responsible for every viral moment, tribute act, and unexpected appearance.
Some hosts made people laugh uncontrollably. Others contributed prominence. And some? They introduced dancing breaks, complete wig changes, and supremacy on the red carpet.
Even the biggest celebrities felt like they were at a family reunion thanks to the Kings of Comedy’s crowd work and vintage timing, which established the tone for the show’s premiere.
In honor of the 25th anniversary, Kevin Hart will be hosting again this year! We are all aware that he will have some surprises in store.
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Here is a comprehensive look at every BET Awards host, from 2001 to the most recent event in 2025, featuring everything from seasoned comedians to serious actors who have turned into ringmasters.
2021–2022 and 2024: Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson emerged as the contemporary host of the BET Awards. She brings fashion moments, quick wit, and the ideal balance of Hollywood glitz and auntie jokes and dominates the room.
2023: No Official Host
There was no conventional host for the award show in 2023. The show chose a presenter-driven flow and performance-forward approach, allowing the music to take centre stage instead of a monologue.
2020: No Official Host (Virtual Show)
Once more in 2020, the award event relied largely on pre-taped segments, cinematic visuals, and artist-led intros, but without a formal host due to the pandemic. Amanda Seales served as a virtual emcee.
It was the first award presentation to change its focus, and it became standard practice within the year’s award ceremony calendar.
2019: Regina Hall
Regina Hall was the host of the 2019 awards show.
In addition to re-enacting Beyoncé’s Homecoming intro and bringing her own DC vibes, Regina delivered a captivating hosting masterclass that was full of Black girl magic and charm.
2006 and 2018: Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx transformed the 2006 award show into a heartfelt, high-energy tribute for Michael Jackson.
In 2018, Jamie turned the show into a mixtape, which went from surprise freestyles to calling Michael B. Jordan on stage unannounced.
2017: Leslie Jones
The 2017 award show was hosted by Leslie Jones, who kept it unfiltered. She roasted herself and everyone else and looked like she was having a ball doing it.
2015–2016: Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross
The Black-ish co-stars contributed family energy, complete skits, and lots of in-jokes for two years in a row, hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross.
The BET Awards had two of their most exciting years because of their unrivaled chemistry.
2014: Chris Rock
Chris Rock hosted the show in 2014. Clever. Savage and sharp. Chris Rock was able to make it. The audience understood the truth and laughed equally whether he was hauling culture vultures or clowning celebs.
2013: Chris Tucker
Chris Tucker is not often in the spotlight, but in the year 2013, he was exceptional, combining nostalgic retro energy with classic Rush Hour charm.
2012: Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson hosted the 2012 awards ceremony. Samuel delivered that “you know who I am” confidence and a mature demeanor. It worked out because Sam wasn’t here for BS.
2011: Kevin Hart
For Kevin, this was a breakthrough moment. He kept the audience laughing all night long with his roast-worthy sketches and phony Diddy impressions, which left the internet buzzing for weeks.
2010: Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah looked like royalty and made hosting seem easy. She was equal parts elegant and edgy.
2008: D.L. Hughley
When hosting the 2008 award event, D.L. Hughley went all out with jokes that seemed to have something to say to everyone, including the other celebrities in the front row.
2006: Damon Wayans
Damon Wayans hosted the 2006 His set included sketch energy and cultural commentary, some of it loved, some of it side-eyed—but undeniably bold.
2005: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith hosted the 2005 award event. That year, BET tapped into Hollywood aristocracy with the Smiths, who are charming, fashionable, and equally hilarious and elegant.
2003, 2004, 2007: Mo’Nique
Mo was the best at that moment. She demonstrated that hosting could be boisterous, humorous, and brimming with Black auntie spirit by bringing raunch, range, and rhythm (recall her Beyoncé tribute dance?).
