HOLLYWOOD - Rapper 50 Cent and B2K were the big winners Tuesday night at the third annual BET Awards at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, walking away from the three-hour event with two honors apiece. 50 Cent was named best new artist and best male hip-hop artist, while B2K was named best group and won the viewer's choice award for "Bump Bump Bump" featuring P. Diddy. Along with Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, 50 Cent and B2K led the nominations with two each. Elliott won one award for best female hip-hop artist award.
Rapper-turned-actress Queen Latifah, who co-starred in the box office hits Chicago and Bringing Down the House, won the best actress award while Antwone Fisher star Derek Luke took best actor.
The former King of Pop Michael Jackson made a surprise appearance at the event, presenting the godfather of soul James Brown with a lifetime achievement award. Jackson wrapped a cape around Brown's shoulder before telling the audience, "Nobody has influenced me more than this man right here."
The 70-year-old Brown accepted the honors with a "Heh!"--a nod to his band to launch into a performance of "Sex Machine."
Basketball great and business entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson was also honored with the BET humanitarian award.
Grandmaster Flash led a DJ tribute to late Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay, who was shot and killed in a New York recording studio last October.
The show, hosted by actress/comedian Mo'Nique, was broadcast live on BET and featured performances from Beyonce Knowles, Lil' Kim, India.Arie, 50 Cent with Nate Dogg and Kelly, and Yolanda Adams.
The BET awards recognize people of color in music, film and sports categories.
Here is a list of the winners:
Best group: B2K
Best male R&B artist: Jaheim, R. Kelly (tie)
Best female R&B artist: India.Arie
Best male hip-hop artist: 50 Cent
Best female hip-hop artist: Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott"
Best collaboration: Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell ("Beautiful")
Video of the year: Erykah Badu featuring Common ("Love of My Life")
Best gospel artist: Yolanda Adams
Best new artist: 50 Cent
Viewer's choice: B2K ("Bump Bump Bump," featuring P. Diddy)
Best actress: Queen Latifah
Best actor: Derek Luke
Best female athlete: Serena Williams
Best male athlete: Kobe Bryant