NEW YORK, May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- BET Networks, a unit of Viacom
(NYSE: VIA; VIA.B), today announced the nominees, performers and recipients of
the Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian honors for the BET AWARDS '08. The
BET AWARDS '08 is raising the stakes and promises to be the "hottest ticket on
television" for the eighth year running, as the biggest stars in music, sports
and entertainment unite in Los Angeles' historic Shrine Auditorium for a night
of explosive LIVE performances on Tuesday, June 24 at 8:00 PM ET/PT. As in
years past, the BET AWARDS '08 will continue its landmark tradition of hot
performances by some of today's heavy hitters, including Usher, Mariah Carey,
Mary J. Blige, Lil' Wayne and Nelly. The host, along with additional
presenters and performers, will be announced shortly.
At this year's most hyped event, BET will recognize the achievements of
artists, entertainers and athletes in 15 categories. Hip hop R&B singer,
songwriter and producer T-Pain tops the line-up with five nominations for his
collaborations with Chris Brown, Kanye West and Flo Rida, followed by Chris
Brown with four nods and rapper/producer Kanye West earning three nominations
with his successful third album, "Graduation," in the Best Male Hip Hop
Artist, Best Collaboration and Video of the Year categories.
Among the other multiple nominees are R&B songstress Mary J. Blige for
Best Female R&B, as well as Video of the Year for "Just Fine," along with
Ne-Yo, Flo Rida, Alicia Keys and Keyshia Cole.
Those nominated for the second straight year include Jay-Z and Lil' Wayne
for Best Male Hip Hop; Mary J. Blige for Best Female R&B; last year's Best
Male R&B winner Ne-Yo; Angela Bassett and Chandra Wilson for Best Actress;
last year's winner, basketball sensation LeBron James, boxer Floyd Mayweather,
Jr., and golfing phenomenon Tiger Woods for Male Athlete of the Year; smash
hitter and four-time category winner Serena Williams and b-ball superstar
Tamika Catchings for Female Athlete of the Year.
In keeping with the history-making track record of the most highly
anticipated night in Black entertainment, BET is pulling out all of the stops
in naming this year's special honorees. Legendary R&B icon Al Green will be
in the house to receive BET's Lifetime Achievement Award. Joining him will be
celebrated producer/arranger/composer Quincy Jones, who will be honored with
BET's prestigious Humanitarian Award for his outreach to young African-
Americans through the Listen Up Foundation, a charity which connects youth
with music, technology and culture. In addition, Jones helped launch the We
Are the Future project, giving hope to children in poor and conflict-ridden
areas.
For the past seven years, the BET AWARDS has boasted unforgettable moments
such as Michael Jackson's surprise appearance during James Brown's tribute;
Rick James in his final duet with Teena Marie; Will Smith presenting Muhammad
Ali with the first-ever Humanitarian Award; Prince onstage backing Chaka Khan;
Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams and India.Arie in a powerhouse tribute to Rufus'
first lady of funk; Destiny's Child's steamy lap dance; the reunion of one of
hip hop's most beloved trios, The Fugees; and last year's touching opening
performance with Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday and Public Enemy's
tribute to James Brown.
BET has once again teamed with Cossette Productions, the famed producers
of the GRAMMY Awards(R) and the seven record-setting BET AWARDS shows, to
handle production of the telecast. Stephen Hill, BET Executive Vice
President, Music and Programming, along with Lynne Harris-Taylor, BET Vice
President of Specials, will executive produce the telecast.
BET AWARDS '08 will be sponsored by Dodge, Pepsi, Verizon Wireless,
General Motors, P&G, Target, CIROC Vodka and Ford.
Log onto BET.com for BET On Blast video highlights, photos and continuous
BET AWARDS '08 updates at www.bet.com/betawards.
