RIHANNA always looks hot, as hot as her record sales.


AL GREEN received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award.


EN VOGUE is not currently on the charts, but the group remains a popular attraction.


NELLY AND ASHANTI have been a couple for quite some time.

BORIS KODJOE, as always, attracted a lot of attention, especially from the ladies.


USHER was among the performers at the 2008 BET Awards.


TERRENCE HOWARD struck a pose for photographers and the fans.


QUINCY JONES was the recipient of the BET Humanitarian Award.

The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles was the setting for the 2008 BET Awards. The event, which honors achievement in music, acting and sports, was hosted by comedian/actor D.L. Hughley.

Alicia Keys perhaps captured much of the spirit of the ceremony when she said, “I want to dedicate this award to the end of the word ‘can’t.’ That word is dead! We don’t know that word! The only word that exists is ‘can.’ Together we can do anything!”

Keys was honored in the Best Female R&B Artist category. Following are some of the other major winners.

Best Male R&B Artist: Chris Brown
Best Group: UGK
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Missy Elliott
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kanye West
Best Gospel Artist: Marvin Sapp
Best Actress: Halle Berry.
Best Actor: Denzel Washington.
Best Female Athlete: Candace Parker.
Best Male Athlete: Kobe Bryant.
Video of the Year:
UGK/OutKast, “International Player’s Anthem.”

Best Video Director:
Erykah Badu/Mr. Roboto.
Best New Artist: The Dream

BLACK ENTERTAINMENT Television (BET), a Washington, D.C.-based cable network aimed at young and urban audiences, was founded in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson.

Although it remains widely viewed, there has been criticism for it not having as many community affairs programs as it once did, in favor of hip-hop videos, etc., some of which have negative, often stereotypical content.
Supporters and non-supporters alike are hoping that BET, present and previous achievements notwithstanding, will raise the bar in all areas.