Photos: BET Awards 2015 | Show highlights

Kendrick Lamar performs at the BET Awards.

Janelle Monáe performs at the BET Awards.

Terrence Howard accepts the award for best actor at the BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater.

Morris Chestnut, left, Sanaa Lathan and Michael Ealy present the award for female hip-hop artist.

Carol Maraj, left, looks on as Nicki Minaj accepts the award for female hip-hop artist.

BET Awards host Anthony Anderson accepts the award for new artist on behalf of Sam Smith, complete with a Sam Smith hairdo.

Jidenna performs at the BET Awards.

Omarion, left, and Chris Brown perform at the BET Awards.

Alicia Keys and the Weeknd perform at the BET Awards.

Donnie McClurkin presents an “in memoriam” tribute to Andraé Crouch at the BET Awards.

The cast of “The Game” -- from left, Jay Ellis, Brittany Daniel, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Coby Bell, Lauren London, Barry Floyd, Hosea Chanchez, and Brandy Norwood -- present the award for best male hip-hop artist at the BET Awards.

Kendrick Lamar accepts the award for male hip hop artist.

Sean “Diddy” Combs and Lil’ Kim perform during a tribute to Combs’ Bad Boy record label at the BET Awards.

Smokey Robinson performs at the BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater. The iconic singer was given a lifetime achievement award.

Ne-Yo, Tori Kelly, Smokey Robinson and Robin Thicke perform during a tribute to Robinson at the BET Awards.

Nicki Minaj, left, and Meek Mill bask in the applause after performing at the BET Awards

Bryshere Y. Gray performs at the BET Awards.

Terry Lewis, left, and Jimmy Jam present the Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award to Janet Jackson.

Ciara performs during a tribute to Janet Jackson.

Jason Derulo performs during a tribute to Janet Jackson.

A quick change later, Ciara performs another tribute to Janet Jackson.

Janet Jackson accepts the Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award at the BET Awards.

Kenny Smith presents an “in memoriam” tribute to sports broadcaster Stuart Scott at the BET Awards.

Anthony Hamilton, left, and Gary Clark Jr. perform during the “in memoriam” portion of the BET Awards.

Tom Joyner accepts the humanitarian award at the BET Awards.

Michael B. Jordan speaks at the BET Awards, honoring the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

Big Sean performs at the BET Awards.

Tamar Braxton performs at the BET Awards.

K.Michelle performs at the BET Awards.

Chris Brown accepts the fandemonium award.