Going by the theme ‘Year of the Black Woman’, Oscar-nominee Taraji P. Henson has been tapped to host the 2021 BET Awards.
”For more than 20 years, the BET Awards have been a celebration of Black creativity, art and excellence,” said Henson. “Returning live, this year’s show will be unlike anything we have ever seen before, and I am honored to be sharing the stage with so many powerful and prolific women in music and entertainment. The BET Awards will once again be at the forefront of Black culture.”
So far in BET history, Taraji holds on record as the most awarded actress with six wins in the best actress category. She won for ‘Hustle & Flow’ (2006), ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ (2009), ‘Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story’ (2011), ‘Empire’ (2015, 2016, 2017) and ‘Hidden Figures’ (2017).
Taraji will host the ceremony with Queen Latifah coming in as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Latifah’s Hollywood career has received four Emmy award nominations including one win, an Oscar nomination and a single Grammy win out of seven total nominations. She also doubles as the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
Latifah’s Lifetime award makes her the first rap artist to be feted with the honorary prize at the BETs. She hosted the ceremony in 2010.
“Black women have been essential drivers of change throughout history, from the political sphere to the cultural zeitgeist,” said Connie Orlando, EVP specials, music programming & music strategy at BET. “The BET Awards is the ultimate celebration of Black culture, and we are looking forward to spotlighting and celebrating Black women during this year’s show.”
This year’s ceremony will mark the return of the BET to the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, after taking the virtual approach last year due to COVID-19.
Connie will oversee the BET Awards and serve as executive producer along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.
