Rihanna charmed in a yellow Giambattista Valli floor length gown and Chopard diamonds at BET Awards 2008 at Shrine Auditorium, LA on June 24. Photo Credit: Ken McCoy / PR Photos. Photo Credit: Ken McCoy / PR Photos
June 25, 2008 () - The BET Awards 2008 at Shrine Auditorium, Los Angles, on June 24, saw an impressive star turnout that included Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Alicia Keys, Solange Knowles, Jurmaine Dupri and Chris Brown. The event was hosed by D. L. Hughley.
Soul/gospel icon Al Green was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and the legendary music producer Quincy Jones was given the Humanitarian Award.
The evening was highlighted by stellar performances by blockbuster artists. Usher gave the opening performance with Love in This Club. Rihanna performed Take a Bow. Other performers included Marvin Sapp, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Lil Kim, En Vogue, Al Green, Jermaine Dupree and Fergie-Nelly.
Rihanna was the sartorial standout in a lemon colored tiered and ruffled Giambattista Valli gown with a deep neckline and spaghetti straps.
The BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. The awards are presented annually and broadcast live on BET.
Here's the complete list of winners from the 2008 BET Awards:
Best Male R&B Artist: Chris Brown
Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kanye West
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Missy Elliott
Video of the Year: UGK featuring Outkast, "International Player's Anthem (I Choose You)"
Best New Artist: The-Dream
Best Group: UGK
Best Collaboration: Kanye West featuring T-Pain, "Good Life"
Best Video Director: Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto
Best Gospel Artist: Marvin Sapp
Viewers' Choice Award: Lil Wayne featuring Static, "Lollipop"
BET J Award: Raheem DeVaughn
Best Actor: Denzel Washington
Best Actress: Halle Berry
Female Athlete of the Year: Candace Parker
Male Athlete of the Year: Kobe Bryant