The 2020 BET Awards were handed out Sunday night, with Beyoncé, Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion and Roddy Ricch among the winners.
Comedian and Insecure actress Amanda Seales hosted the annual show, which organizers this year said “expanded its footprint to go beyond the confines of a traditional stage show in response to safety precautions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a first for the network.”
In addition, the show also makde its national broadcast premiere on CBS, along with airing on ViacomCBS’ networks including BET and BET Her.
After a powerful remix by Public Enemy of 1989’s “Fight the Power” — with updated lyrics and a slew of other artists — kicked off the show, Seales delivered a brief monologue that addressed racism.
“Now, folks always say, ‘All Amanda ever does it talk about race,'” she said. “Well listen, I would love to talk about regular, everyday things, but racism always beats me to it. For instance, candy. Who don’t like candy? But whenever I try to talk about Skittles, I remember Trayvon Martin. i would love to talk about ice cream. it’s delicious treat. But each time I do, I am reminded of Botham Jean. Who doesn’t appreciate some shut-eye? Man, I had a nap in 2015 that was so good it felt like Black Jesus tucked me in. I still talk about it to this day. But that’s a wrap. Because now i can’t even dream of speaking about sleeping knowing Breonna Taylor’s killers have not been arrested. When I said, ‘I son’t got the time, I’m on my trampoline,’ I meant it, ’cause give it a minute, and racism gonna take the bounce of that too.”
The annual awards show celebrates creative expression and Black excellence across music, film, television, sports and philanthropy.
During the show, Beyoncé was honored with the Humanitarian Award, which she dedicated to the Black Lives Matter protestors.
Heading into Sunday night, Drake led the nominations with six nods, followed by Megan Thee Stallion and Roddy Ricch with five each. Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Brown, Lizzo and DaBaby follow with four nominations apiece.
(Excerpt) Read more in: The Hollywood Reporter