LOS ANGELES (June 27, 2006) — Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx and rappers Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes led the pack of nominees at the sixth annual BET Awards, recognizing the best in hip-hop, R&B, gospel and music videos, as well as outstanding athletes and actors.
Damon Wayans said he was “excited” about hosting Tuesday’s live, performance-laden show at the Shrine Auditorium. “It’s going to be a big, black blast,” he told The Associated Press prior to the ceremony. “Even if you’re not nominated, you’re there and you want a front-row seat.”
Special honors planned for the evening included a lifetime achievement award for Chaka Khan and a humanitarian award for Harry Belafonte.
“It means a great deal to be recognized by your people for your body of work,” Khan told The AP. “I’ve been doing this a long time, so it’s a beautiful thing. I’m honored.”
Khan was among a star-studded roster of performers, which included Beyonce, Prince, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, four-time nominee Mary J. Blige, and Foxx, who had five nominations.
Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes also were multiple nominees, with four nods each. West, rapper Ne-Yo and R&B crooner Chris Brown each had three nominations.
Both Foxx and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges were nominated in musical and acting categories.
The Black Entertainment Network’s 2005 Awards was the most-watched program in the network’s 26-year history, executives said. Reginald Hudlin, BET president of entertainment, called it “the best awards show on television, period. No qualifier.”
Wayans said he prepared for his hosting role by doing standup comedy and planned to improvise his material.
“I’d probably forget my lines” if they were scripted, he said.
BET Award winners were decided by a panel of executives from entertainment companies, record labels and the media, except the Viewers’ Choice award, which fans voted for online.
Copyright © 2024 by Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.