Two big stars, Beyonce and Drake, were the big winners at the 16th annual BET Awards held at downtown Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater.
Beyonce gathered up best female pop artist laurels, and took home three trophies — the Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice; video of the year and Centric awards — for the music video “Formation.”
Drake won three awards Sunday: best male hip hop artist; and two collaboration categories — best group (with Future) and best collaboration (with Rhianna).
A rare appearance from comedian Dave Chappelle kicked off the first of several Prince tribute performances at the ceremony. Erykah Badu, The Roots, Bilal, Stevie Wonder, Tori Kelly, Jennifer Hudson and Janelle Monae covered songs from Prince’s catalog. Legendary drummer and close friend to Prince, Sheila E. rounded out the tributes with an energetic (and at times barefooted) performance.
During the show, actor Samuel L. Jackson was presented with a lifetime achievement award. Actor Jesse Williams (“Grey’s Anatomy”) won the Humanitarian Award. Here is a complete list of winners: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
— Beyonce Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
— Bryson Tiller Best Group
— Drake & Future Best Collaboration
— Rihanna feat. Drake, “Work” Best Male Hip Hop Artist
— Drake Best Female Hip Hop Artist
— Nicki Minaj Video of the Year
— Beyonce, “Formation” Video Director of the Year
— Director X Best New Artist
— Bryson Tiller Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
— Kirk Franklin Best Actress
— Taraji P. Henson Best Actor
— Michael B. Jordan Youngstars Award
— Amandla Stenberg Best Movie
— “Straight Outta Compton” Sportswoman of the Year
— Serena Williams Sportsman of the Year
— Stephen Curry Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
— Beyonce, “Formation” Centric Award
— Beyonce, “Formation” Best International Act Africa
— Black Coffee (South Africa) Best International Act U.K.
— Skepta
—City News Service