description BET Awards Overview
The BET Awards are an annual U.S. awards ceremony established by Black Entertainment Television in 2001. The program recognizes achievements by Black artists and entertainers in music, film, television, sports, and related fields, with music categories covering styles such as hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and popular contemporary music.
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When did the BET Awards begin?
The first BET Awards ceremony was held on June 19, 2001, at the Paris Las Vegas. Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer hosted, and Whitney Houston received the first Lifetime Achievement Award. [BET](https://www.bet.com/bet-awards/articles/o6lmpk/bet-awards-2026-how-the-show-became-black-cultures-living-archive)
What do the BET Awards recognize?
The annual ceremony honors Black artists and entertainers across music, film, television, and sports. Music categories sit alongside acting and sports awards, so it is broader than a music-only ceremony. [BET](https://www.bet.com/bet-awards/articles/o6lmpk/bet-awards-2026-how-the-show-became-black-cultures-living-archive)
Are the BET Awards the same as the BET Hip Hop Awards?
No. The BET Awards cover several entertainment fields, while the separately branded BET Hip Hop Awards centers on hip-hop artists, songs, albums, and culture. The first BET Awards took place in 2001. [BET](https://www.bet.com/bet-awards/articles/o6lmpk/bet-awards-2026-how-the-show-became-black-cultures-living-archive)
Which music categories appear at the BET Awards?
The program has included categories such as Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Best New Artist, and Video of the Year. Category names can change, but these show how the ceremony combines genre awards with broader honors. [BET Awards](https://www.bet.com/bet-awards/)
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