Christopher Polk/Getty ImagesBeyoncé came, she saw and she flashed that million-watt smile every time the camera cut to her. Which was a lot.
The 12th annual BET Awards took place at the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles Sunday night with Samuel L. Jackson handling hosting duties and stars like Bey, hubby Jay-Z, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj making the ceremony one for the books.
Missed out on any of the action? Well, you're in luck because we've got the best (the Whitney Houston tribute!), the worst and all of the winners from this year's show:
Fiercest Front Row...Ever: As if Beyoncé weren't hot enough, she was sitting between mega mogul husband Jay-Z and stylish sister Solange Knowles, not to mention next to Kanye and Kim Kardashian. And the camera took full advantage of it. Half of the hours-long show was reaction shows of Bey smiling, dancing, singing, etc. And we loved it all.
Best Excuse for Not Having a Speech Prepared: Best New Artist winner Big Sean took the stage and quickly explained his speechlessness: His mom forgot his speech! He didn't hold it against her though, saying "Shout out to my mom for raising me right." Cut to a beaming mama and you have your "Awww!" moment of the night.
Worst Attempt at a High Note: We love Donna Summers. We love Chante Moore. But the latter delivered one soul high note during the Donna tribute. Luckily, her "Bad Girls" finale saved it all and made for one solid remembrance of the disco queen.
Worst Attempt at Censoring: Nicki Minaj's performed of "Beez in the Trap" wearing her trademark blonde wig and a lacey black outfit, but after the bleep button missed a few cuss words, her performance went practically radio silent. She also escaped the censors during her Best Hip-Hop Artist acceptance speech, when she shouted "Step your d--k up!" Whoops!
Best Performance: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly had everyone dancing (us too) with their TV debut, but we gotta give this honor to Melanie Fiona, whose voice was simply pitch perfect.
Worst Joke of the Night: Following Lauryn Hill's recent run in with the IRS, a member of the group Mindless Behavior joked with Mike Epps that his singing was, "Lauryn Hill not paying her taxes bad." Yikes—too soon? Thankfully, Beyoncé took to the stage just moments later to thank Lauryn during her Best R&B Artist acceptance speech.
Longest Running Sketch: Host Samuel L. Jackson and Best Actor winner Kevin Hart spent much of the evening involved in a backyard BBQ skit that mainly involved the two not-so-hilariously ripping on each other. And just when you thought it was over (with a Star Wars shout out, no less), Hart took to the stage to continue the gag and left us shouting, "We get it!!!"
Cutest Couple Throwdown…Ever: "Oh, it's going to be an argument at the crib!" presenter Jamie Foxx laughed upon announcing Video of the Year, a competition between Beyoncé and Jay-Z (and Kanye). The two playfully mean mugged at each other before happily hugging as Jay took headed to the stage to collect his trophy.
Best Throwback Joke Ever: As Jay-Z and Kanye took the stage to accept their Video of the Year award, Jay interrupted, "Excuse me, Kanye, Imma let you continue but..." Cue huge laughs from Beyoncé, Kim K. and us. We're sure Taylor Swift too, if she's watching.
WTF Moment of the Night: Chris Brown's painted on abs? ‘Nuff said.
Touching Tribute of the Night: We've seen countless dedications to the late, great Whitney Houston, but this evening's was nothing short of spectacular. It started with Mariah Carey tearfully explaining how much she misses her friend before Monica and Brandy each performed rendition's of classic Whitney tunes while the entire house sang along. The mic was then turned over to Whitney's mother, Cissy Houston, who sang "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," leaving not a single dry eye in sight.
After, Whitney's Waiting to Exhale costars (Lela Rochon, Loretta Devine and Angela Bassett) and Chakha Khan ended the tribute that was truly worthy of Ms. Houston. Great work, BET!
And now for the winners...
Best Female R&B Artist: Beyoncé
Best Male R&B Artist: Chris Brown
Best Group: The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)
Best Collaboration: Wale featuring Miguel, "Lotus Flower Bomb"
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
Video of the Year: The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) featuring Otis Redding, "Otis"
Video Director of the Year: Beyoncé & Alan Ferguson, "Party"
Best New Artist: Big Sean
Best Gospel: Yolanda Adams
Best Actor: Kevin Hart
Subway Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams
Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award: Mindless Behavior, "Hello"
Centric Award: Common