MEDIA MOGUL KEVIN HART NAMED HOST OF "BET AWARDS" 2025 AS THE SHOW MARKS 25 YEARS OF CELEBRATING BLACK CULTURE AND LEGACY

CULTURE'S BIGGEST NIGHT TO AIR LIVE JUNE 9, 2025, AT 8 PM ET/PT ON BET

NEW YORK, NY - April 22, 2025 - The 25th Anniversary of "BET Awards" - Culture's Biggest Night - is going even BIGGER! BET announced today, global superstar, comedian, and entertainment mogul Kevin Hart will host "BET Awards" 2025, airing LIVE on BET from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 8 pm ET/PT. This milestone celebration will honor 25 years of cultural artistry and shine a spotlight on the most influential voices across music, film, television, and sports.

Hart is a two-time New York Times best-selling author and four-time EMMY(R) winner, known for his larger-than-life personality and unique comedic style. He will bring his signature humor and energy to the "BET Awards" stage, ensuring an unforgettable night for audiences worldwide. As one of the most influential figures in entertainment, Hart's presence highlights BET's commitment to celebrating Black culture and its significant contributions to the global landscape.

Since its inception, "BET Awards" has remained the most coveted stage for Black culture, recognizing and amplifying the voices and talents shaping the industry. "BET Awards" 2024 underscored BET's singular ability to convene the largest Black audiences and drive meaningful and unforgettable cultural moments that reverberate across communities and society. "BET Awards" 2025 special 25th anniversary edition promises to deliver the ultimate show-stopping performances, powerful moments, and heartfelt tributes reflecting Black culture's depth and richness over the last quarter century.

"I love a celebration! It's a chance to reflect, cherish, and honor life's unforgettable moments," says Kevin Hart. "I'm truly honored to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate the culture's biggest night. This year marks the 25th anniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE are pulling out all the stops to make it a night to remember. It's a Black-Tie affair, and you're all invited. Tune in live on June 9th, only on BET."

"Kevin Hart is a powerhouse of an entertainer. His impact spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. As we celebrate 25 years of the BET Awards, we couldn't think of a more dynamic host to lead this historic night," said Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. "Kevin's unmatched charisma, comedic brilliance, and deep-rooted connection to our culture make him the perfect choice to commemorate this milestone event."

"For over a decade, Kevin Hart has been a beloved part of the BET family, and we couldn't be more excited to have him return to host the 25th anniversary BET Awards," said Scott Mills, President and CEO of BET. "His unparalleled talent, infectious energy, and deep connection to our audience make him the perfect host for this historic celebration. Kevin has continuously pushed boundaries in entertainment. On the heels of the successful launch of BET+ original series Lil Kev, we are eager to expand our partnership and continue to bring groundbreaking projects to life."

Hart has a robust history with the BET, beginning as host of stand-up comedy showcase "Comic View: One Night Stand" in 2008. Hart also executive produced and starred in "Real Husbands of Hollywood," the scripted parody series that premiered in 2013. On March 6, BET+ launched "Lil Kev," the streamer's first adult animated comedy series, based on Hart's childhood and family, and produced by Hart's entertainment company, Hartbeat.

Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, serves as the Executive Producer for "BET Awards" 2025, with Jamal Noisette, SVP of Tentpoles & Music Community Engagement, for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as Executive Producers.

"BET Awards" 2025 will air LIVE on Monday, June 9, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET. Expect more exciting announcements, including the star-studded lineup of performers and nominees. Additionally, Culture's Biggest Week returns with BET Experience 2025 (BETX) -four days of immersive fan-focused events Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 8, ahead of "BET Awards" 2025.

ABOUT KEVIN HART

Kevin Hart has made a name for himself as the hardest working comedian, entrepreneur, producer, actor, and box office powerhouse in entertainment. A two-time New York Times best-selling author, he has earned both EMMY(R) and GRAMMY(R) nominations, and his films have grossed more than in $4.23 billion global revenue. In 2024 Kevin received the Kennedy Center's annual Mark Twain Prize for American Comedy.

Hart is Chairman of HartBeat Productions; a global, multi-platform media company, and Founder of HartBeat Ventures. Hart continues to develop, star, and produce feature films, television, and podcasts via HartBeat for various media partners. In 2023, Billboard named Hart the Highest Grossing Comedian of the Year. Hart is also founding partner in Gran Coramino Tequila and VitaHustle Nutrition. Hart's brand partnerships include Audemars Piguet, Fabletics Men, J.P Morgan Chase, Draft Kings, Hydrow, NutraBolt, and Therabody.

ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP

The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA), is the world's largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international. For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For more BET news announcements, visit betpressroom.com.

ABOUT BET AWARDS

"BET Awards" is one of the most-watched award shows on cable television, according to the Nielsen Company. The "BET Awards" franchise remains the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is the #1 telecast for BET every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.

ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT

Founded in 2012, Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) is a full-service Emmy winning production company that has played an integral role in producing many of television's most memorable moments in music entertainment.  JCE's award-winning and critically acclaimed television includes programming from its three divisions.  From the scripted division: scripted series - Real Husbands of Hollywood, American Soul and miniseries - The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story.  From the unscripted division: unscripted series - Tia Mowry: My Next Act, Gabrielle Union: My Journey to 50, Oh Hell No! With Marlon Wayans, Cardi Tries, My Killer Body with K. Michelle, DJ Cassidy's Pass the Mic and Forward: The Future of Black Music, competition series - Hollywood Squares, Rhythm + Flow, Celebrity Squares, Becoming A Popstar, Sunday Best, Hip Hop Squares and Nashville Squares, talk shows - We Got Time Today, Yara Shahidi's Day Off and Face to Face with Becky G, and children's series - Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices (Daytime Emmy Award winner).  From the specials division: award shows - The Emmy Awards, The American Music Awards, The 2022 Golden Globes, BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, Black Girls Rock!, BET Honors, UNCF's An Evening of Stars and ABFF Honors, specials - Beyoncé Bowl at the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans NFL 2024 Christmas Game, The Super Bowl Halftime Show (Primetime Emmy Award winner), Jimmy Fallon's Holiday Seasoning Spectacular, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama & Oprah Winfrey (Primetime Emmy(R) Award nominee), A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, Lil Rel Howery: I said it. Y'all thinking it., CNN's Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom, Martin: The Reunion, John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero, Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration, Change Together: From The March On Washington To Today, A GRAMMY Salute to the Sounds of Change, Stand Up for Heroes, Dear Mama, Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin', Def Comedy Jam 25, Leslie Jones: Time Machine, The All-Star Nickmas Spectacular and Rip the Runway. Emmy Award winner Jesse Collins is the Founder & CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment and executive producer of all the JCE programming. He is also an executive producer for the annual GRAMMY Awards and produced the 2021 Oscars. Emmy winner Dionne Harmon is President. Emmy nominee Jeannáe Rouzan - Clay is Senior Vice President of Specials.