Kevin Hart is suiting up to host the 25th annual BET Awards. Set for June 2025, the MC promised his presence at the now formal event in a comedic teaser video exclaiming, “we’re raising the bar.” In the clip, the comedian hustles around set sampling caviar appetizers and joking that Lenny Kravitz and Mustard will have to forgo their leather pants for tuxedos. The 45-year-old last hosted the ceremony in 2011.
“25 years of legendary moments, and we’re turning it all the way up. Expect the laughs, the surprises, the energy… and a night the culture will never forget,” described the official award show Instagram account.
The 2025 BET Awards will air live on Monday, June 9, from the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles at 8 p.m. ET/PT. According to a press statement, the anticipated milestone event will honor 25 years of cultural artistry and shine a spotlight on the most influential voices across music, film, television, and sports.
Kevin Hart at “Number One on the Call Sheet” New York Premiere at Crosby Street Hotel on March 10, 2025 in New York, New York.
Adela Loconte/Variety via Getty Images
“I love a celebration! It’s a chance to reflect, cherish, and honor life’s unforgettable moments,” elaborates the actor. “I’m truly honored to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate the culture’s biggest night. This year marks the 25th anniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE are pulling out all the stops to make it a night to remember. It’s a black-tie affair, and you’re all invited. Tune in live on June 9th, only on BET.”
“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,” adds Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “Kevin’s unmatched charisma, comedic brilliance, and deep-rooted connection to our culture make him the perfect choice to commemorate this milestone event.”
Connie Orlando at the 54th NAACP Image Awards held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California.
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
Ahead of the live show, BET will also be bringing the BET Experience to Los Angeles with days of multiple concerts, a Fan Fest, and many more events for the culture. The lineup includes Buju Banton, The Roots, Lil’ Kim, Redman & Method Man, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Raekwon, Nick Cannon, and more across multiple venues and stages, with more announcements to come.
View the full BET Experience 2025 and BET Awards schedule below and learn more details on the official website.
- Thursday, June 5: BET Experience: Buju Banton
- Thursday, June 5 – June 6: WayMaker Men’s Summit
- Saturday, June 7 – June 8: BETX 2025 FanFest
- Sunday, June 8: A Roots Picnic Experience: Class of ‘95 featuring The Roots, Lil’ Kim, Redman & Method Man, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Raekwon, Goodie Mob, E-40, DJ Quik, and Havoc
- Sunday, June 8: Jagged Edge, Donell Jones, and Eric Bellinger with a special R&B ONLY set featuring Tiára Monique and JABARI.
- Monday, June 9: 2025 BET Awards
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