Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby lead in BET Awards nominations, with seven each. Cardi B and Drake follow, with five noms each. The show, which recognizes Black excellence in music, television, film, and sports, will air on June 27 on BET Networks.
“We are back and excited to bring culture’s biggest night, the 2021 ‘BET Awards,’ safely back to Los Angeles to celebrate this year’s incredible roster of nominees,” said Connie Orlando, executive vice president, specials, music programming and music strategy. “We broke ground as one of the first official award shows to move forward during the global pandemic and we are ready to take our pioneer status to the next level with the return of an audience to celebrate the best and brightest creative minds in the entertainment industry.”
Indeed, the BET Awards featured several memorable performances, including a Mad Max-inspired Megan Thee Stallion, who delivered a one-two punch with “Girls in The Hood” and “Savage,” and DaBaby’s “Rockstar” which arrived on the heels of worldwide protests spurred by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police.
This year, she’s up for best female hip hop artist, video of the year for “WAP,” and album of the year, among other nods. DaBaby is in the running for best male hip hop artist, album of the year and is recognized in four best collaboration tracks for his features alongside Roddy Ricch, Megan Thee Stallion, Pop Smoke & Lil Baby, and Jack Harlow, Tory Lanez and Lil Wayne.
The BET Awards are expected to return with a live audience. The network is working closely with Los Angeles County to support community vaccination efforts and ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
See below for the complete list of nominees:
Album of the Year
After Hours – The Weeknd
Blame It On Baby – DaBaby
Good News – Megan Thee Stallion
Heaux Tales – Jazmine Sullivan
King’s Disease – Nas
Ungodly Hour – Chloe X Halle
Best Collaboration
Cardi B Ft. Megan Thee Stallion – Wap
DaBaby Ft. Roddy Ricch – Rockstar
DJ Khaled Ft. Drake – Popstar
Jack Harlow Ft. DaBaby, Tory Lanez & Lil Wayne – Whats Poppin (Remix)
Megan Thee Stallion Ft. DaBaby – Cry Baby
Pop Smoke Ft. Lil Baby & DaBaby – For The Night
Best Female R&B / Pop Artist
Beyoncé
H.E.R.
Jazmine Sullivan
Jhené Aiko
Summer Walker
SZA
Best Male R&B / Pop Artist
6lack
Anderson .Paak
Chris Brown
Giveon
Tank
The Weeknd
Best New Artist
Coi Leray
Flo Milli
Giveon
Jack Harlow
Latto
Pooh Shiesty
Best Group
21 Savage & Metro Boomin
Chloe X Halle
Chris Brown & Young Thug
City Girls
Migos
Silk Sonic
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Coi Leray
Doja Cat
Megan Thee Stallion
Latto
Saweetie
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
DaBaby
Drake
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
Lil Baby
Pop Smoke
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Bebe Winans – In Jesus Name
Cece Winans – Never Lost
H.E.R. – Hold Us Together
Kirk Franklin – Strong God
Marvin Sapp – Thank You For It All
Tamela Mann – Touch From You
BET Her Award
Alicia Keys Ft. Khalid – So Done
Brandy Ft. Chance The Rapper – Baby Mama
Bri Steves – Anti Queen
Chloe X Halle – Baby Girl
Ciara Ft. Ester Dean – Rooted
SZA – Good Days
Best International Act
Aya Nakamura (France)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Emicida (Brazil)
Headie One (Uk)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Young T & Bugsey (Uk)
Youssoupha (France)
Viewer’s Choice Award
Cardi B Ft. Megan Thee Stallion – Wap
Chris Brown & Young Thug – Go Crazy
DaBaby Ft. Roddy Ricch – Rockstar
DJ Khaled Ft. Drake – Popstar
Drake Ft. Lil Durk – Laugh Now Cry Later
Lil Baby – The Bigger Picture
Megan Thee Stallion Ft. Beyoncé – Savage (Remix)
Silk Sonic – Leave The Door Open
Video of the Year
Cardi B – Up
Cardi B Ft. Megan Thee Stallion – Wap
Chloe X Halle – Do It
Chris Brown & Young Thug – Go Crazy
Drake Ft. Lil Durk – Laugh Now Cry Later
Silk Sonic – Leave The Door Open
Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Bruno Mars And Florent Déchard
Cole Bennett
Colin Tilley
Dave Meyers
Hype Williams
Best Movie
Coming 2 America
Judas And The Black Messiah
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
One Night In Miami
Soul
The United States Vs. Billie Holiday
Best Actress
Andra Day
Angela Bassett
Issa Rae
Jurnee Smollett
Viola Davis
Zendaya
Best Actor
Aldis Hodge
Chadwick Boseman
Damson Idris
Daniel Kaluuya
Eddie Murphy
Lakeith Stanfield
Youngstars Award
Alex R. Hibbert
Ethan Hutchison
Lonnie Chavis
Marsai Martin
Michael Epps
Storm Reid
Sportswoman of the Year Award
A’ja Wilson
Candace Parker
Claressa Shields
Naomi Osaka
Serena Williams
Skylar Diggins-Smith
Sportsman of the Year Award
Kyrie Irving
Lebron James
Patrick Mahomes
Russell Westbrook
Russell Wilson
Stephen Curry