BEYONCE KNOWLES - BEYONCE AND HUDSON TOP BETS

BEYONCE AND HUDSON TOP BETS

Dreamgirls stars Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson led the winners at the US BET awards in Los Angeles.

Knowles and Hudson picked up two gongs each, including best video for the former Destiny's Child star.

The solo performer also won best female R&B artist while Oscar winner Hudson won best actress and best new artist.

In a ceremony organised by Black Entertainment Television, another Oscar winner, Forest Whitaker, was recognised for his performance in The Last King of Scotland.

UK producer and artist Danger Mouse picked up a prize for best group with his band Gnarls Barkley while the best hip-hop artist award was given to TI.

The BET awards also recognise a variety of genres and sports which included an award for Serena Williams who was crowned best female athlete.

Kirk Franklin won the best gospel artist award and Diana Ross was given a lifetime achievement award.

Performances on the night were led by Beyonce and also included a special James Brown tribute performance from Public Enemy who played Say it Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud).

Hotel Rwanda actor Don Cheadle received a humanitarian award for his work in Darfur, raising awareness of the ongoing crisis in the African region.