Black music’s most celebrated night is upon us with the 2022 BET Awards kicking off live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on June 26. Returning as the host for this year’s celebration of culture is none other than award winning-actress Taraji P. Henson

“I am honored to return as the host of the BET Awards and share the stage with so many powerful and prolific artists; you can even say it is the ’empire’ of Black Excellence,” Henson said in the official announcement. “Working with amazing partners like Scott and Connie at BET and Jesse Collins Entertainment is a creative’s dream. I can’t wait to celebrate Black music, entertainment, and culture with our viewers on what will be one unforgettable night.”

“Taraji P. Henson is the personification of Black excellence, and we are excited to collaborate with the phenomenal multi-talented stage and screen actress to host the ultimate celebration of Black culture again this year,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “For over two decades, the BET Awards has been home to Black brilliance, talent, and creativity, providing unforgettable cultural moments, and we look forward to raising the bar for BET Awards 2022.”

The six-time Best Actress BET Award winner hosted the 2021 show, which she kicked off with a tribute to iconic Black women such as Issa RaeJazmine Sullivan and Zendaya. By both figuratively and physically “giving them their flowers” Henson dubbed last year’s show a celebration of “the year of the Black woman.”

To celebrate Henson, BET put together a video celebration of her road to hosting, including her many wins and nominations over the last 12 years.

The 2022 BET Awards airs live on BET, Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET.

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