The BET Awards is an American award show that was established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other American minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. The awards are presented annually, and are broadcast live on BET. The annual presentation ceremony features performances by artists, and some of the awards of more popular interest are presented in a televised ceremony. Lifetime Achievement The BET Lifetime Achievement Award is given a veteran artist or group who has made notable contributions to the music industry. The honoree is paid tribute to by current popular singers who perform the honoree's most recognized songs. The honoree will usually perform themselves after being paid tribute.
2001: Whitney Houston 2002: Earth Wind & Fire 2003: James Brown 2004: The Isley Brothers 2005: Gladys Knight 2006: Chaka Khan 2007: Diana Ross 2008: Al Green 2009: The O'Jays 2010: Prince 2011: Patti LaBelle 2012: Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly 2013: Charlie Wilson 2014: Lionel Richie 2015: Smokey Robinson 2016: Samuel L. Jackson 2017: New Edition 2018: Anita Baker 2019: Mary J. Blige Humanitarian In 2002, at the second annual BET Awards, the category for the BET Award Humanitarian Award was created. The Humanitarian Award is given to a celebrity philanthropist who donates their time and money to a charitable cause.
2002: Muhammad Ali 2003: Earvin "Magic" Johnson 2004: Danny Glover 2005: Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington 2006: Harry Belafonte 2007: Don Cheadle 2008: Quincy Jones 2009: Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean 2010: John Legend 2011: Steve Harvey 2012: Rev. Al Sharpton 2013: Dwyane Wade 2014: Myrlie Evers-Williams 2015: Tom Joyner 2016: Jesse Williams 2017: Chance the Rapper 2018: Naomi Wadler, Mamoudou Gassama, Justin Blackman, Shaun King, Anthony Borges and James Shaw Jr. 2019: Nipsey Hussle 2020: Beyoncé
