Comedy legend Kevin Hart will host the 25th BET Awards.
The BET Awards have become a summer staple in Black America for a quarter century.
In 25 years, the BET Awards have had some of the best hosts grace the stage like comedian and Oscar winner Mo’Nique, Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson and power couple, Jada and Will Smith (an Academy Award winner for “King Richard”).
Now, one of its hosting veterans will return to the BET Awards stage, with Hollywood giant Kevin Hart set to host the 25th BET Awards.
In a press release, Hart said, “I love a celebration! It’s a chance to reflect, cherish, and honor life’s unforgettable moments. I’m truly honored to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate the culture’s biggest night. This year marks the 25thanniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE [Jesse Collins Entertainment] are pulling out all the stops to make it a night to remember. It’s a Black Tie affair, and you’re all invited.”
The BET Awards will take place on June 9 at 7 P.M. CT.
Many critics of the BET Awards have long lambasted the show because it has allegedly gotten too ratchet for their taste.
Despite being a network that gave Black artists a place to shine when they were shunned by MTV, Black Entertainment Television (BET) began facing rebuke approximately 20-25 years ago, when programming seemed to shift.
In the early 2000s, longtime viewers complained when the network stopped airing thought-provoking shows like “Teen Summit” and “BET News,” while adding sexually-explicit video shows like “BET: Uncut.”
The change in programming seemed to come after the network became White-owned.
While the BET Awards have remained a staple, the tone of the award show has changed for the worse in the opinion of some longtime fans.
With Hart returning to the stage, fans are hoping for a return to the tone of past shows.
The actor/comedian from Philadelphia has a long history with BET, outside of hosting the award show.
He hosted “Comic View: One Night Stand” in 2008 and has executive-produced the parody show, “Real Husbands of Hollywood.”
BET President and CEO Scott Mills said, “For over a decade, Kevin Hart has been a beloved part of the BET family, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him return to host the 25th anniversary BET Awards. His unparalleled talent, infectious energy, and deep connection to our audience make him the perfect host for this historic celebration. Kevin has continuously pushed boundaries in entertainment. On the heels of the successful launch of BET+ original series Lil Kev, we are eager to expand our partnership and continue to bring groundbreaking projects to life.”
BET’s EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy Connie Orlando added, “Kevin Hart is a powerhouse of an entertainer. His impact spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. As we celebrate 25 years of the BET Awards, we couldn’t think of a more dynamic host to lead this historic night. Kevin’s unmatched charisma, comedic brilliance, and deep-rooted connection to our culture make him the perfect choice to commemorate this milestone event.
“For 25 years, the BET Awards have been one of the handful of stages amplifying and celebrating Black talent, and for its 25th anniversary celebration, the brand promises to deliver the ultimate show-stopping performances, powerful moments, and heartfelt tributes reflecting Black culture’s depth and richness over the last quarter century.”
Marina Watts of People reported, “Ahead of the BET Awards, an immersive fan experience returns to Los Angeles. The BET Experience (BETX) takes place from June 5-8 and will feature competitions, comedy shows, day parties and Fan Fest, all leading up to Culture’s Biggest Night, per the event’s website.
BET will announce nominees and presenters later.
The BET Awards also honors a musical legend annually.
Often, younger artists pay homage to the legend by performing their classic hits.
Past legends include James Brown, Charlie Wilson and The Isley Brothers.
Mary J. Blige, famously, performed her own legend’s set when the BET Awards honored the stellar career of the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.”
Hart, often seen as one of the hardest-working men in Hollywood, has many other upcoming projects outside of his hosting duties.
IMDB lists upcoming projects like “Ride Along 3,” “Uptown Saturday Night” and “72 Hours.”
Kenya Barris wrote the remake of the classic “Uptown Saturday Night,” which starred Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier.
It is also rumored that Hart will star in a movie based on the board game “Monopoly.”
Filmmaker Tim Story is set to direct Hart in “Monopoly.”
Previously, Story worked with Hart on the “Think Like a Man” and “Ride Along” movies.
Story also directed segments of Hart comedy concert films like “Kevin Hart: Feel My Pain” and “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain.”
The acclaimed filmmaker will also direct Hart in the upcoming “Ride Along 3,” “My Worst Enemy” and “72 Hours.”
