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Actor/performer Will Smith applauds after presenting boxing great Muhammad Ali with the Humanitarian Award at the second annual Black Entertainment Television, BET Awards, June 25 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. |
THE rock-soul group Earth, Wind & Fire received a lifetime achievement award and boxer Muhammad Ali was honoured with a humanitarian award at the second annual BET awards Tuesday evening.
The Black Entertainment Television event recognizes people of colour in music, film and sports categories. The awards are voted by record label executives, media and fans.
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| Muhammad Ali's daughter Laila Ali, also a boxer, poses with her award for best female athlete. |
Hosts for the ceremony at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre were comedians Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer.
Halle Berry, who won a best actress Oscar for "Monster's Ball", took home the favorite actress prize; Will Smith, who starred in the boxing biography "Ali", won the actor award. Neither prize specified a particular role.
Earth Wind & Fire was recognized for more than 30 years of musical achievement. The group was founded by drummer Maurice White and includes his bassist brother Verdine White, and singer-percussionists Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson.
Other winners of the second annual BET awards:
Music group: OutKast
Male R&B artist: Usher
Female R&B artist: India.Arie
Male hip hop artist: Ja Rule
Female hip hop artist: Missy Elliott
New artist: Alicia Keys
Gospel artist: Yolanda Adams
Video of the year: "Pass The Courvoisier, Part II", Busta Rhymes featuring P. Diddy and Pharrell
Male athlete: Kobe Bryant
Female athlete: Laila Ali
Chairman's award: Dr. Bobby Jones, gospel singer
(Agencies via Xinhua)
