Academy Award-winning actor and Grammy award-winning musician, Jamie Foxx, has been announced as the host for this year’s BET Awards holding at Microsoft Theater on Sunday, June 24, 2018.
A statement from BET in Africa, a subsidiary of Viacom International Media Networks, said he is expected to join an A-List roster of comedians and entertainers who have lit the room, including Leslie Jones, Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Chris Rock, Mo’Nique, Kevin Hart and Chris Tucker.
“This year’s broadcast celebrates 18 years of dynamic performances, groundbreaking moments, the hottest talent in the game, and entertainment’s most thought-provoking players.
“Most importantly, the ‘BET Awards’ continues to tackle culturally relevant topics and conversations, setting the standard for one of the most intently unconventional, news-provoking and talked-about broadcasts,” the organiser said.
The statement added that the “top nominees from Africa and Europe (as voted for by an academy of industry experts) will now compete for the Best International Act category, with the winner being honoured as part of the US broadcast.”
“Recognising the growing international appeal of African artists, five African artists have been honoured in the BET Awards. Leading the transformed Best International Act Award category from Nigeria will be Davido and Tiwa Savage, South African rapper Cassper Nyovest, Gqom evolutionists Distruction Boyz and Congolese star Fally Ipupa. Also included in the category are French performers Booba and Dadju and UK acts J Hus, Stefflon Don and Stormzy,” it stated.
It will be recalled that Jamie Foxx, who is also a renowned comedian, is one of Hollywood’s rare elite multi-faceted performers.
He started on the comedy circuit before bursting into the mainstream with, “In Living Color” and “The Jamie Foxx Show.” Of recent, he appeared in Edgar Wright’s critically acclaimed, “Baby Driver,” alongside Ansel Elgort, and currently executive produces and hosts interactive game show, “Beat Shazam,” which is now in its second season.
Later in November, Foxx is expected to star in Lionsgate’s Robin Hood alongside Taron Egerton and Jamie Dornan. Recently, he also wrapped production on his “All-Star Weekend” which he wrote, directs and stars.
“The BET Awards 2018 will be broadcast in partnership with Russian Bear on Tuesday, 26 June 2018, starting with a pre-show at 18:00 CAT, followed by the main awards show at 20:00 CAT and conclude with a post-show immediately after.
It’s expected also to be premiered across Africa on BET (DStv channel 129) on Tuesday, 26 June at 20:00 CAT.