2011 BET Awards - winners

The 2011 BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards were handed out last night at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. For Colored Girls won the award for Best Movie, beating out Death at a Funeral, For Colored Girls, Takers, The Book of Eli and Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married, Too?. The acting awards went to Taraji P. Henson and Idris Elba, who also won last year.

Chris Brown dominated the music categories with four wins. He had led with six nominations, and came away with wins for Best Male R&B Artist, Viewer’s Choice, Best Collaboration and FANdemonium. His win for Viewer's Choice made for a bizarre moment as his name was announced before changing it and announcing Rihanna as the winner (Brown's ex-girlfriend whom he was convicted of assaulting). Then another host announced the winner as Drake, who came onstage to accept the award on Rihanna's behalf. At the show's conclusion, the host Kevin Hart brought Brown back out to tell him he was the correct winner as the audience was filing out. During last year's show, Chris Brown performed a tribute to Michael Jackson and wept excessively and theatrically.

Mary J. Blige, Jadakiss and DJ Khaled opened the show. Other performers included After Seven with the Five Heartbeats, Alicia Keys with Bruno Mars, Big Sean with Chris Brown, Cherelle, Kelly Rowland with Trey Songz and closing act Beyoncé performing live from Glastonbury.

Honourary awards were presented to Steve Harvey who received the State Farm Humanitarian Award, and to gospel legend Patti LaBelle who was presented with the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. She followed her acceptance with a performance of her hits "Love, Need and Want You" and "Lady Marmalade."

Queen Latifah and Snoop Dogg performed for a memorial segment to recognize the passing of those such as Nate Dogg, Teena Marie, Clarence Clemons and Gil Scott Heron among others.

For some reason, a very white Justin Bieber made an appearance to present to  Best Female Hip-Hop Artist winner Nicki Minaj. His scripted flirtation with her had him saying, "I'm all grown up now. I turn 18 next year. So, what's up?"

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Complete list of winners for the 2011 BET Awards

Best Female R&B Artist
Jennifer Hudson

Best Male R&B Artist
Chris Brown

Best Group
Diddy Dirty Money

Viewer’s Choice
Chris Brown/Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes “Look at Me Now”

Best Collaboration
Chris Brown/Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes “Look at Me Now”

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Nicki Minaj

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
Kanye West

Best New Artist
Wiz Khalifa

Young Stars Award
TIE
Jaden Smith
Willow Smith

Best Gospel
Mary Mary

Centric Award
Marsha Ambrosius

Best International Act (Africa)
TIE
2Face Idibia (Nigeria)
D' Banj (Nigeria)

Best International Act (UK)
Tinie Tempah

Best Movie
For Colored Girls

Best Actress
Taraji P. Henson

Best Actor
Idris Elba

Sportswoman of the Year
Serena Williams

Sportsman of the Year
Michael Vick

FANdemonium
Chris Brown

Video Director of the Year
Chris Robinson

State Farm Humanitarian Award
Steve Harvey

BET Lifetime Achievement Award
Patti LaBelle