The BET Awards is an American award show that was established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other American minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. The awards are presented annually, and are broadcast live on BET. The annual presentation ceremony features performances by artists, and some of the awards of more popular interest are presented in a televised ceremony.
Lifetime Achievement
The BET Lifetime Achievement Award is given a veteran artist or group who has made notable contributions to the music industry. The honoree is paid tribute to by current popular singers who perform the honoree's most recognized songs. The honoree will usually perform themselves after being paid tribute.

2001: Whitney Houston
2002: Earth Wind & Fire
2003: James Brown
2004: The Isley Brothers
2005: Gladys Knight
2006: Chaka Khan
2007: Diana Ross
2008: Al Green
2009: The O'Jays
2010: Prince
2011: Patti LaBelle
2012: Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
2013: Charlie Wilson
2014: Lionel Richie
2015: Smokey Robinson
2016: Samuel L. Jackson
2017: New Edition
2018: Anita Baker
2019: Mary J. Blige
Humanitarian
In 2002, at the second annual BET Awards, the category for the BET Award Humanitarian Award was created. The Humanitarian Award is given to a celebrity philanthropist who donates their time and money to a charitable cause.

2002: Muhammad Ali
2003: Earvin "Magic" Johnson
2004: Danny Glover
2005: Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington
2006: Harry Belafonte
2007: Don Cheadle
2008: Quincy Jones
2009: Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean
2010: John Legend
2011: Steve Harvey
2012: Rev. Al Sharpton
2013: Dwyane Wade
2014: Myrlie Evers-Williams
2015: Tom Joyner
2016: Jesse Williams
2017: Chance the Rapper
2018: Naomi Wadler, Mamoudou Gassama, Justin Blackman, Shaun King, Anthony Borges and James Shaw Jr.
2019: Nipsey Hussle
2020: Beyoncé