It is a night to celebrate African-Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment.
And this year's edition opened up with quite possibly the biggest star.
Beyonce started out the 2016 BET Awards from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles with a surprise performance of Freedom.
Surprise! Beyonce started out the 2016 BET Awards with a performance of Freedom held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles
The 34-year-old beauty looked absolutely fantastic in a black sequined bodysuit as she was joined by Kendrick Lamar for the high-energy display.
It had been previously unclear if she would perform as she had the second most nominations of the night with five.
Black-ish actors Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson are doing the honours of hosting the three-hour-plus show for the second year in a row.
Doing what she does best: No doubt the 34-year-old singer surprised the crowd at the event
Gorgeous: She absolutely scintillated in a black, sequined bodysuit
Power stance: Beyonce has the entire crowd captivated
Hitting the high notes: It had been previously unclear if she would perform as she had the second most nominations of the night with five
Rain dance: Water came from the ceiling as the Queen Bey did her moves
Stunner: Her signature blonde highlighted locks were done in braids
Making a splash! It was quite a performance as water dropped as she and backing dancers performed high-energy choreography
She's on fire: It was quite a production as in addition to fake rain there was also fire
They began it with a hilarious monologue parodying Broadway smash hit and Tony Award-winning play Hamilton.
Beyonce will not be the only freatured performance at the event as the Purple One is also set for a tribute.
Prince received a tribute from Madonna and Stevie Wonder last month, but the late singer is getting another honor at the BET Awards, this time with Sheila E., D'Angelo, The Roots, Janelle Monae and Wonder.
The first Prince tribute — held at the Billboard Music Awards and starring Madonna with a side of Wonder — was met with criticism online.
Stunner: Before she came out there was a voiceover from classic Martin Luther King, Jr speech
Curvaceous: She showed off her signature figure in the racy number
Shining star: She was joined by rapper Kendrick Lamar
Stunning: The Single Ladies hitmaker appeared while Kendrick rapped and walked around her
Putting up her feet: Her look came complete with fishnet stockings as she danced behind Kendrick
Synchronized: Beyonce and Kendrick danced together while he continued rapping his verse
Dynamic duo: After the inspiring performance the two stood and posed as they received a standing ovation
Cool collaboration: Their clothes may have been soaked but it didn't seem to bother the duo one bit
What a way to start a night: Beyonce and Kendrick definitely set the tone for the celebratory night
Quickly following it, BET tweeted: 'Yeah, we saw that. Don't worry. We Got You.'
BET didn't offer specific details about Sunday's performance; there was no word about which Prince songs would be performed or if the musicians would sing together or separately.
However, the tribute could become the most memorable moment of the show, airing live on BET.
Muhammad Ali could also be honored at the BET Awards, though the network didn't announce official plans to pay tribute to the icon, who died June 3 at age of 74 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Prince died of an accidental drug overdose on April 21 at age 57.
Other performers to hit the stage Sunday include Alicia Keys, Maxwell, Usher, Future, Desiigner, Erykah Badu, Jennifer Hudson, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, French Montana and Beyoncé's mentees, the duo Chloe x Halle.
Period piece: Black-ish actors Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson are hosting the award show for the second year in a row as they did a Hamilton parody
Just you wait: The funnywoman jumped into the comedian's arms for the hilarious segment
Drake is the leading nominee with nine, while Beyoncé and Rihanna have five nominations each.
All three superstar acts are nominated for video of the year: Hotline Bling, 'Formation and Work will battle Kendrick Lamar's Alright and Bryson Tiller's Don't for the top prize.
Beyoncé and Rihanna will compete with one another for best female R&B/pop artist, along with Adele, K. Michelle and breakthrough singer Andra Day.
Spike Lee, Taraji P. Henson, Jamie Foxx and Jussie Smollett will present awards.
Samuel L. Jackson will receive the lifetime achievement award and Grey's Anatomy actor and activist Jesse Williams will earn the humanitarian award.
Other multiple nominees include Chris Brown and Future.
2016 BET AWARDS NOMINEES
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Adele
Andra Day
Beyoncé
K. Michelle
Rihanna
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Bryson Tiller - WINNER
Chris Brown
Jeremih
The Weeknd
Tyrese
Best Group
2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
Drake & Future - WINNER
Puff Daddy & The Family
Rae Sremmurd
The Internet
Best Collaboration
Big Sean feat. Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $Ign – "Play No Games"
Big Sean feat. Kanye West & John Legend – "One Man Can Change the World"
Future feat. Drake – "Where Ya At"
Nicki Minaj feat. Beyoncé – "Feeling Myself"
Rihanna feat. Drake – "Work"
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Drake
Fetty Wap
Future
J. Cole
Kanye West
Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Dej Loaf
Lil Kim
Missy Elliott
Nicki Minaj
Remy Ma
Video of the Year
Beyoncé – "Formation"
Bryson Tiller – "Don't"
Drake – "Hotline Bling"
Kendrick Lamar – "Alright"
Rihanna feat. Drake – "Work"
Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Chris Brown
Colin Tilley & The Little Homies
Director X
Hype Williams
Best New Artist
Alessia Cara
Andra Day
Bryson Tiller
Kehlani
Tory Lanez
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Anthony Brown & Group Therapy
Erica Campbell
Kirk Franklin
Lecrae
Tamela Mann
Tasha Cobbs
Best Actress
Gabrielle Union
Kerry Washington
Taraji P. Henson
Tracee Ellis Ross
Viola Davis
Best Actor
Anthony Anderson
Courtney B. Vance
Idris Elba
Michael B. Jordan - WINNER
O'shea Jackson Jr.
Youngstars Award
Amandla Stenberg
Quvenzhané Wallis
Silentó
Willow Smith
Yara Shahidi
Best Movie
Beasts of No Nation
Concussion
Creed
Dope
Straight Outta Compton
Sportswoman of the Year
Cheyenne Woods
Gabrielle Douglas
Serena Williams
Skylar Diggins
Venus Williams
Sportsman of the Year
Cam Newton
Kobe Bryant
Lebron James
Odell Beckham Jr.
Stephen Curry
Best International Act Africa
Aka (South Africa)
Black Coffee (South Africa)
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Mzvee (Ghana)
Serge Beynaud (Cote D'ivoire)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best International Act U.K.
Kano
Krept & Konan
Lianne La Havas
Skepta
Stormzy
Tinie Tempah
