Multi-hyphenate entertainer Jamie Foxx will receive the coveted Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards, solidifying his legacy as one of the most versatile and impactful talents in modern entertainment. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and will air live on BET at 8 p.m. ET.
Celebrating a Career of Excellence
Foxx’s selection as the Ultimate Icon underscores his decades-long influence in music, film, television, and comedy. The award is reserved for individuals whose creative achievements have significantly shaped Black culture and the entertainment industry.
“Jamie Foxx is the embodiment of the Ultimate Icon,” said BET’s CEO Scott Mills. “He has continuously broken barriers, uplifted our culture, and entertained millions with authenticity and brilliance.”
Foxx began his career in stand-up comedy and made his national debut on Fox’s groundbreaking sketch comedy show In Living Color in the early 1990s. He later launched The Jamie Foxx Show, a hit sitcom that ran for five seasons. But it was his portrayal of legendary musician Ray Charles in the 2004 film Ray that catapulted him into superstardom. Foxx won the Academy Award for Best Actor for that role, becoming only the third Black man to win the honor.
In music, he’s released five studio albums, with hits like “Blame It” and “Unpredictable,” earning Grammy Awards and platinum certifications. He’s also worked with top artists including Kanye West, Drake, and T-Pain.
The Significance of the BET Awards
The BET Awards, launched in 2001, have grown into one of the most important platforms for celebrating Black excellence in entertainment. Created by Black Entertainment Television, the show recognizes achievements across music, film, sports, and philanthropy.
Past recipients of the Ultimate Icon Award include Janet Jackson, Prince, and Queen Latifah. The award is not given annually, but rather to those who meet its high standard of cultural and artistic significance.
This year’s show, hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, is expected to feature high-energy performances by Lil Wayne, Playboi Carti, GloRilla, Teyana Taylor, and more. In addition to Foxx, other legends like Mariah Carey, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg will also be honored for their enduring legacies.
A Triumphant Return
Foxx’s recognition comes at a poignant time. In 2023, he suffered a serious health complication that kept him out of the spotlight for months. At a recent public appearance, he candidly reflected, saying, “I went to hell and back. But I’m back, and I’m better.”
Fans and peers have celebrated his recovery and return to work, with many calling his resilience “inspiring.” Since then, Foxx has resumed filming projects and made appearances across media platforms, including his upcoming Netflix film Back in Action alongside Cameron Diaz.
“This moment is bigger than an award,” said Foxx in a press statement. “It’s a celebration of the people who believed in me, who lifted me up when I couldn’t stand.”
A Night to Remember
With a career that has continually pushed boundaries and a personal journey that speaks to strength and perseverance, Jamie Foxx’s tribute at the 2025 BET Awards promises to be both emotional and unforgettable.
“This is more than a lifetime achievement,” said actor and longtime friend Terrence Howard. “Jamie is the blueprint — he sings, acts, writes, and he feels. He deserves every flower.”
As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation builds for a night that will honor Black excellence — and Jamie Foxx, the ultimate icon.