Although many of the winners weren’t there to collect their awards, extravagant performances were the main attraction at Tuesday night’s BET Awards, hosted by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Among the eight no-shows was top honoree Kanye West, who earned trophies for male hip-hop artist and video of the year for his “Jesus Walks.” Jamie Foxx, who was also not on hand to collect his award for best actor, left a recorded message, which presenter Tom Cruise played, saying he was “jumping up and down on the couch.” Foxx’s Ray co-star Regina King picked up the best actress award.
On collecting her award for best female R&B artist, Alicia Keys told the audience, “This is for all my people who are really trying to dream big dreams. Let’s do it. Let’s think big. Let’s think beyond what these people are trying to hold us down to. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, musicians.” Usher won for best male R&B artist.
Keys also presented soul legend Gladys Knight with a Lifetime Achievement Award, while actor Denzel Washington‘s wife Paulette accepted an award honoring their charity work.
Ciara and Missy Elliot were named best collaboration for their song “1, 2 Step,” while Destiny’s Child won best group. Both Destiny’s Child and Missy Elliot were there to give dazzling performances. The Game, Mary J Blige, Gladys Knight and the newly reformed The Fugees also performed at the event.
Winners of the fifth annual awards show were decided by a panel of executives from entertainment companies, record labels and the media, except the viewers’ choice award in which fans voted online for their favorite video.
The full list of winners is:
Best Female Rap Artist: Remy Ma
Best Group: Destiny’s Child
Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys
Best New Artist: John Legend
Best Actor: Jamie Foxx
Best Actress: Regina King
Best Male R&B Artist: Usher
Best Male Hip-Hop: Kanye West
Male Athlete of the Year: Shaquille O’Neal
Female Athlete of the Year: Serena Williams
Best Gospel Artist: Donnie McClurkin
Viewer’s Choice Award: Omarion’s O
Video of the Year: Kanye West’s Jesus Walks
Best Collaboration: Ciara and Missy Elliott’s “1, 2 Step”
Lifetime Achievement Award: Gladys Knight.
