BET Awards 2025: Ayra Starr Wins Best International Act

Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr has taken home the coveted Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards.

The talented artist beat out stiff competition from notable international acts, including Tyla from South Africa, fellow Nigerian artist Rema and Ghana’s Black Sherif.

This win marks a significant milestone in Ayra Starr’s career, solidifying her position as a global music sensation.

The BET Awards recognise outstanding contributions and achievements in the entertainment industry, with a focus on Black excellence and cultural diversity.

Since 2022, Ayra Starr has received multiple nominations at the BET Awards.

These include Best New International Act (BET Awards 2022), Best International Act (BET Awards 2023), BET Her Award (for “Commas,” 2024), and Best New Artist, Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards.

Hosted by Kevin Hart, the show brought together the brightest stars from music, film, TV, and sports to celebrate the talent shaping and pushing culture forward.

AwwFrom iconic moments to major milestones, the night belonged to both legends and new-school favourites.

Kendrick Lamar was the evening’s undeniable standout, taking home four major awards, including Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for the viral smash “Not Like Us”, and Best Collaboration alongside SZA for their soul-shaking track “Luther”.

Below is the list of winners.

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – SZA

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Chris Brown

Best Group – Future & Metro Boomin

Best Collaboration – “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Doechii

Video of the Year – “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar

Video Director of the Year – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar

Best New Artist – Leon Thomas

Album of the Year – GNX – Kendrick Lamar

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music

Best Actress – Cynthia Erivo

Best Actor – Denzel Washington

Best Movie – Luther: Never Too Much

YoungStars Award – Blue Ivy Carter

Sportswoman of the Year – Angel Reese (Basketball)

Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts (Football)

BET Her Award – “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker

Best New International Act – TxCT (South Africa), Ajuliacosta (Brazil)

Best International Act – Ayra Starr

Viewer’s Choice Award – “Residuals” — Chris Brown