Davido, Chinwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o win at BET

It’s the year of bagging multiple awards for Nigeria’s own Davido; Britain-based Nigerian actor, Chinwetel Ejiofor; and America-based Kenyan actress, Lupita Nyong’o, who won again at the 2014 BET Awards in Los Angeles.

It was a night full of electrifying performances, emotional speeches and unforgettable moments at the awards, also known as the “Black World Cup”, which took place at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE last night, Sunday June 29.

While still on the run, Beyoncé was the big winner with the FANdemonium award Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Best collaboration with rapper husband for the hit, Drunk in Love. The acclaimed film 12 Years A Slave swept the film award categories.

Aye crooner, Davido, beat Mavin’s first lady, Tiwa Savage and other African artistes to take home the award for Best International Act: Africa; while Ejiofor, the Half of a Yellow Sun star, stole the shine as the Best Actor; and his 12 Years a Slave co-star, Lupita Nyong’o, scored big as Best Actress. Tiwa Savage also gave an outstanding performance at the BET Experience, which held on June 28.

Pharrell Williams opened the show with an energetic rendition of Come Get It Bae surrounded by a bevy of cheerleaders, and was joined by surprise performer and fellow Virginia native, the amazing Missy Elliott, who brought the crowd to their feet to Pass That Dutch. Williams became a familiar face on the stage after winning both Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year and again coming on to present music icon Lionel Richie with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chris Brown also made a triumphant return to the BET Awards stage that drew a standing ovation. He proved he hasn’t missed a beat delivering an incredible performance of Loyal, which was ramped up even more with appearances by Lil Wayne, Tyga and Travis Barker.

Taking a cue from Ellen DeGeneres’ pizza delivery at this year’s Oscar Awards, Rock provided the audience with a delivery of Roscoe’s Chicken ‘n Waffles, which they accepted with enthusiasm. Rock had the crowd laughing throughout the night, thanks to his riffs on a range of hot topics, from Donald Sterling to Jay-Z and Solange to Dr. Dre and the Beats/Apple deal.

A taped performance of Beyoncé and Jay-Z of Partition capped the epic night, which delivered on its promise to be the hottest ticket in town. The 2014 BET Awards drew the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports, with appearances by Gabrielle Union, Keke Palmer, Regina Hall, Larenz Tate, Bow Wow, Keshia Chante, Eva Marcille, Terrence Jenkins, Keyshia Cole, Mike Tyson, Nick Cannon, Zendaya, DeSean Jackson, Boris Kodjoe, Gary Owen, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Chadwick Boseman, Tyrese and Nate Parker.

Founder, President and CEO of Urban Prep Academies, Tim King and 19-year-old founder and manager of a successful community urban farm and garden, Denzel Thompson were recognized as the 2014 Shine-A-Light recipients.

The BET Awards is one of the most-watched award shows on cable television, according to the Nielsen Company. The BET Awards franchise remains as the number one programme in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET‘s number-one telecast every year.  It recognises the triumphs and successes of artistes, entertainers and athletes in 19 categories.

See the full list of the of the nominees and winners below:

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé (WINNER)
Janelle Monáe
Jhené Aiko
K. Michelle
Rihanna
Tamar Braxton

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Pharrell Williams (WINNER)
August Alsina
Chris Brown
John Legend
Justin Timberlake

Best Collaboration
Beyoncé f/ JAY Z – “Drunk In Love” (WINNER)
August Alsina f/ Trinidad Jame$ – “I Luv This”
Drake f/ Majid Jordan – “Hold On (We’re Going Home)”
JAY Z f/ Justin Timberlake – “Holy Grail”
Robin Thicke f/ T.I. & Pharrell Williams – “Blurred Lines”
YG f/ Jeezy & Rich Homie Quan – “My Hitta”

Best Movie
12 Years a Slave (WINNER)
The Best Man Holiday
Fruitvale Station
Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain
Lee Daniels’ The Butler

Best Actress
Lupita Nyong’o (WINNER)
Angela Bassett
Gabrielle Union
Kerry Washington
Oprah Winfrey

Best Actor
Chiwetel Ejiofor (WINNER)
Forest Whitaker
Idris Elba
Kevin Hart
Michael B. Jordan

Video of the Year
Pharrell Williams – “Happy” (WINNER)
Beyoncé – “Partition”
Beyoncé f/ JAY Z – “Drunk In Love”
Chris Brown – “Fine China”
Drake – “Worst Behaviour”

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Drake (WINNER)
Future
J. Cole
JAY Z
Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Nicki Minaj (WINNER)
Angel Haze
Charli Baltimore
Eve
Iggy Azalea

Best Group
Young Money (WINNER)
A$AP Mob
Daft Punk
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
TGT

Subway Sportsman of the Year
Kevin Durant (WINNER)
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Carmelo Anthony
Blake Griffin
LeBron James

Subway Sportswoman of the Year
Serena Williams (WINNER)
Brittney Griner
Lolo Jones
Skylar Diggins
Venus Williams

Best Gospel Artist
Tamela Mann (WINNER)
Donnie McClurkin
Erica Campbell
Hezekiah Walker
Tye Tribbett

Best New Artist
August Alsina (WINNER)
Ariana Grande
Mack Wilds
Rich Homie Quan
ScHoolboy Q

YoungStars Award
KeKe Palmer (WINNER)
Gabrielle Douglas
Jacob Latimore
Jaden Smith
Zendaya

Centric Award
Jhené Aiko – “The Worst” (WINNER)
Aloe Blacc – “The Man”
Jennifer Hudson f/ T.I. – “I Can’t Describe (The Way I Feel)”
LiV Warfield – “Why Do You Lie?”
Wale f/ Sam Dew – “LoveHate Thing”

Best International Act: UK
Krept & Konan (WINNER)
Dizzee Rascal
Ghetts
Laura Mvula
Rita Ora
Tinie Tempah

Video Director of the Year
Hype Williams (WINNER)
Benny Boom
Chris Brown
Colin Tilley
Director X

Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
August Alsina featuring Trinidad Jame$ – “I Luv This Shit” (Winner)
Beyoncé featuring Jay Z – “Drunk in Love”
Drake – “Worst Behavior”
Jhené Aiko – “The Worst”
Pharrell Williams – “Happy”

FANdemonium Award
Beyoncé (Winnner)
Trey Songz
Rihanna
Justin Timberlake

Best International Act: Africa
Davido (Nigeria) (WINNER)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Mafikizolo (South Africa)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Toofan (Togo)