The 2024 BET Awards aired live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, toasting this year’s standout actors, comedians and singers across the culture. It was hosted by Taraji P. Henson for the third time, as the actress balanced trendy outfit changes, sketches in between performances and speeches that touched on the importance of voting in the upcoming election. Still, there were a few other moments inside the room that viewers didn’t have a chance to see. With The Hollywood Reporter on the ground at the event, here’s a look inside all of the behind-the-scenes moments from the ceremony and carpet that the cameras missed.
Passion for Fashion
Fashion is always a big part of any award show, particularly one that encapsulates Black culture across the African diaspora like the BET Awards. While usually women’s dresses are the talk of the town, this year men gave a refreshing take on their suits. Cory Hardrict wore an Amiri cream suit with gold detailing on his suit buttons, brooch and jewelry. The star was in theme with other actors including Tyrese and 1992’s Christopher Ammanuel, who both wore cream suits with similar gold accents. Others, including Sistas star Chido Nwokocha, wore a light dusty blue suit, while Diarra From Detroit’s Bryan Terell Clark wore a tailored burgundy one. As for the attendees, many in the audience wore cowboy hats, a seeming nod to the Cowboy Carter herself, Beyoncé, who has influenced many Black people to take space in the country arena since dropping her album.
“They Not Like Us”
A play on the Kendrick Lamar song “Not Like Us” — which Henson parodied from the stage — THR asked celebs what the song lyrics “They not like us” mean to them. Stars including Chloe Bailey, Tinashe, Coco Jones and others broke down how they applied the lyrics to their own lives. And other stars, while talking to THR, chose who they believe won in the Drake vs. Kendrick beef, as the rappers were also nominated against each other in two categories at the show.
Showing Love
“Culture’s Biggest Night” was full of love and was an opportunity for many to reunite with their peers. On the blue carpet, ahead of the show, music girlies Tinashe and Chloe Bailey embraced. Inside, actor Brandon T. Jackson blew a kiss to a fan who was calling out to him; and after Will Smith’s performance of “You Can Make It” with Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore & Sunday Service Choir, the star leaned down into the crowd and to embrace singer Tyrese.
After the Acceptance Speech
After each star accepted their award for their respective win, the cameras were cut but some winners continued showing their gratitude for the honor. Victoria Monét, who won video of the year, finished her acceptance speech and did the chicken head dance before heading off stage. Usher, who was presented with the lifetime achievement award from a group of men that he says helped him navigate his career, hugged every one of them individually, as the lights were dimming down.
Big Winners
After Sexxy Red’s name was called as a nominee in the best new artist category, the crowd chanted one of the rapper’s slogans, “Get it sexy”. Although the rapper lost the award to Tyla, the South African artist showed love to the rapper before accepting the award by saying, “I love Sexxy too.” Another big winner of the night was Usher, who was honored with the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. On the carpet, THR asked the stars about their favorite Usher song ahead of his tribute, and fellow artists including Tinashe and Coco Jones sang some of his songs.
Dance Breaks
During the show’s commercial breaks, the DJ got audience members dancing, with tunes including Biggie Small’s verse on the song “Cant You See” by Total, and Juvenille’s 1999 hit “Back That Thang Up.” The DJ also shouted out the cancers in the building, asking “Where the cancers?” Those in the crowd who fit the bill screamed and raised their hand to accept the call and response.
