BET Awards 2025: A Complete Timeline of 25 Years of BET Awards Hosts
From Mo’Nique to Taraji, Steve Harvey to Jamie Foxx—here’s a look back at the hosts who made the BET Awards unforgettable.
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For over two decades, the BET Awards has served as culture’s main stage—where the best in Black music, film, sports, and entertainment get crowned. But behind every viral moment, tribute performance, or surprise appearance is the host (or hosts) tasked with keeping the show moving, the crowd hyped, and the memes flowing. Some hosts brought belly laughs. Others brought prestige. And a few? They brought full wig changes, dance breaks, and red carpet dominance. From seasoned comics to dramatic actors-turned-ringmasters, here’s a complete look at every BET Awards host—from 2001 through the most recent show in 2024. The Kings of Comedy set the tone for the show’s debut, bringing old-school timing and crowd work that made even the biggest celebs feel like they were at a family reunion.
Photo By (Photo by M. Caulfield/WireImage)
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2003, 2004, 2007: Mo’Nique- Nobody worked that stage like Mo. She brought raunch, range, and rhythm (remember her Beyoncé tribute dance?), proving that hosting could be loud, hilarious, and full of Black auntie energy.
Photo By (Photo by Jesse Grant/WireImage for BET Network)
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2005: Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith - BET leaned into Hollywood royalty this year with the Smiths—charming, stylish, and equal parts funny and graceful.
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2006: Damon Wayans - His set included sketch energy and cultural commentary—some of it loved, some of it side-eyed—but undeniably bold.
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2008: D.L. Hughley - The political jokes were sharp, the crowd work risky. D.L. came for everyone—including other celebs in the front row.
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2009: Jamie Foxx - Just three days after Michael Jackson’s death, Jamie took the mic and transformed the show into a heartfelt, high-energy tribute. His “Beat It” jacket and moonwalk? Instantly iconic.
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2010: Queen Latifah - Equal parts elegance and edge, Queen Latifah showed up like royalty and made hosting look effortless.
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2011: Kevin Hart - This was a breakout moment for Kevin. From fake Diddy impressions to roast-worthy skits, he had the crowd in stitches all night—and the internet buzzing for weeks.
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2012: Samuel L. Jackson - He brought grown-man attitude and that “you know who I am” swag. Sam wasn’t here for foolishness—and that’s what made it work.
Photo By (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images For BET)
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2013: Chris Tucker - He rarely hits the spotlight, but Chris brought his A-game this year, mixing classic Rush Hour charm with nostalgic throwback energy.
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2014: Chris Rock - Witty. Sharp. Savage. Chris Rock didn’t miss. Whether he was clowning celebrities or dragging culture vultures, the crowd got truth and laughs in equal measure.
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2015–2016: Anthony Anderson & Tracee Ellis Ross - The black-ish co-stars brought family energy, full skits, and plenty of in-jokes. Their chemistry was unmatched—and gave the BET Awards two of its most entertaining years.
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2017: Leslie Jones - Wild, loud, and fully herself, Leslie kept it unfiltered. She roasted herself and everyone else—and looked like she was having a ball doing it.
Photo By (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)
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2018: Jamie Foxx (Again) - This time with even more chaos. From surprise freestyles to calling Michael B. Jordan on stage unannounced, Jamie treated the show like a live mixtape.
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2019: Regina Hall - Regina brought homegrown DC vibes, reenacted Beyoncé’s Homecoming opener, and gave a hosting masterclass full of charisma and Black girl joy.
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2020: No Official Host (Virtual Show) - Amid the pandemic, Amanda Seales acted as a virtual emcee, but the show leaned heavily on pre-taped segments, cinematic visuals, and artist-led intros. BET was the first award show to pivot—and it set the standard.
Photo By (Photo by BET Awards 2020/Getty Images via Getty Images)
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2021–2022, 2024: Taraji P. Henson - By now, Taraji is the modern face of BET Awards hosting. She brings quick wit, fashion moments, and the perfect blend of auntie jokes and Hollywood glam. Whether she’s in a jumpsuit or full-on afro wig, she runs the room.
Photo By (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET)
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2023: No Traditional Host - The show opted for a performance-forward format and presenter-driven flow, letting the music speak louder than a monologue.
Photo By Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)
