“I love a celebration! It’s a chance to reflect, cherish and honor life’s unforgettable moments. I’m truly honored to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate the culture’s biggest night,” Hart said via a statement. “It’s a Black-Tie affair, and you’re all invited.”

In addition to Kevin Hart, there’s an esteemed list of previous BET Award hosts. The names include Hollywood luminaries such as Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Chris Rock, Leslie Jones and Queen Latifah. It’s a who’s-who of entertainment icons.

“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,” BET president and CEO Scott Mills said in a statement. “His unparalleled talent, infectious energy and deep connection to our audience make him the perfect host for this historic celebration.”

It’s been a year of collaboration for Kevin Hart and BET. Hart’s animated series Lil Kev debuted in March on BET+. The show follows the exploits of Kevin Hart’s matriarch mother, Nancy, and 12-year-old Kevin himself as they navigate a colorful family and the hilarious — and sometimes grim — reality of growing up in North Philadelphia in the early ‘90s. Featuring the talents of Wanda Sykes (“Nancy”), Deon Cole (“Uncle Richard, Jr.), and legendary voice actor Cree Summer (“Gerald”), and Hart himself, Okayplayer described the show as “a mix of hilarity and heartfelt moments — big on talent and ambition.”

Of course, Hart’s history with BET goes back much further. He hosted the stand-up comedy showcase Comic View: One Night Stand in 2008 and executive-produced and starred in the parody series Real Husbands of Hollywood in 2013.

The 2025 BET Awards will air live on BET Monday, June 9, at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.