The Bet Awards were held on Sunday (30th June) in L.A. The Awards first held in 2001 are to celebrate minorities in the entertainment business. Winners this year were: Charlie Wilson, Nicki Minaj, Gabrielle Douglas and Drake.

.Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx recieved the Award for Best Actor.

The BET categories include Best R&B/Pop artist; Hip-Hop artist; sportsman and sportswoman; music video; viewer's choice; movie; gospel and international act.

The event was star-studded with many past winners performing. Mariah Carey has caused controversy once again as she is suspected of lip-syncing.  These accusations began on Twitter as fans complained about her performance of 'Beautiful'.

Miguel also sung for the packed Nokia Theater. He won the Award for Best male R&B/Pop Artist, with Rihanna winning the female Award.

Miguel 
Miguel performing at the BET awards. 

Soul Singer Charlie Wilson took home the Lifetime Achievement Award. The singer's career began in 1972 and he has influenced such artists as Snoop Dogg, R.Kelly, Will.i.am and Justin Timberlake. Just Timberlake performed on stage with his mentor and presented him with the award. He paid tribute to the 60-year-old soul singer, saying "his impact colours the work of many artists".

Justin Timberlake and Charlie Wilson
Justin Timberlake presenting Charlie Wilson with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nicki Minaj won, for the fourth consecutive year, the Best Hip-Hop Artist. Minaj was overwhelmed by her achievement, gushing "my fans are amazing" and said she was humbled by the experience. 

Kendrick Lemar (who also won the New Artist Award) took the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Award. Another relatively new face was Olympic Gold Medallist Gabrielle Douglas who achieved two Awards: one for Sportswoman of the Year, the other the Young Stars Award. Drake too received not only the Coca-Cola viewer's choice Award but the award for Best Collaboration.  

Gabby Douglas
Olympian Gabby Douglas recieved two Awards: Sportswoman of the Year and the Young Stars Award.

Kendrick Lemar
Kendrick Lemar accepting his award for Best New Artist.

Chris Tucker
Chris Tucker, presented the Awards, pictured here arriving at the BET Awards.  Future and Ciara
Future and Ciara arriving at the BET Awards.

See more pictures from the BET Awards.