If there was ever an awards show red carpet to perfectly embody the idea of self-expression and "Hollywood glam" at its most hybridized, it would undoubtedly be that of the BET Awards; and all the looks at the 2016 BET Awards exemplified as much. Founded in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network, the BETs are all about commemorating people of color and other minorities within all facets of entertainment: From music to acting to sports. Perhaps because it focuses on entertainment as a whole — unlike the majority of award shows, which target film, television, or music independently — the BETs have evolved into an opportunity for personal style to reign supreme on the red carpet.
From Beyoncé's sheer, embellished, royal blue gown at the 2001 awards, to actor and singer Brooke Valentine's midriff-baring, 2006 high-glam look, the BETs have seen no shortage of uniqueness. The awards on June 26 will feature performances by Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, and Young Thug among others, so there's no doubt celebrities will be bringing their sartorial A-Game. Plus, with Black-ish stars Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson hosting, there's no better time to dress to impress. Without further adieu, here are all the looks from the 2016 BET Awards. Get ready to cry tears of fashion wonderment.
"Formation" Dancers
The BET carpet officially began with Beyoncé's "Formation" dancers sporting some of the most breathtaking ensembles to hit a red carpet, possibly ever.
Quvenzhané Wallis
Rocking a lovely aquamarine hue, actor Quvenzhané Wallis' minimalist aesthetic is perfection.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys stunned in a bare face and simple jumpsuit.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Co-host of tonight's show Tracee Ellis Ross ruled the carpet in a high neckline and bodycon silhouette perfect for queens.
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union is royalty. ROYALTY.
Raven Goodwin
This babe is everything and will always be everything.
Beyoncé's Performance Outfit
Queen Bey opened the show with a surprise rendition of "Freedom," only to disappear immidiately thereafter. But her bodysuit and braids combo will be remembered.
Stephon Mendoza
Designer Stephon Mendoza's ensemble was too much for words, in the grandest of ways.
2 Chainz
Well, 2 Chainz is my new style icon.
Sibley Scoles
E! News correspondent Sibley Scoles made color-block cool again.
Naturi Naughton
Actor Naturi Naughton's topknot in combination with that classic dress are too much to handle.
LisaRaye
Actor LisaRaye made the totally-white jumpsuit seem like a doable feat. PRAISE.
Mayte Garcia
Dancer and singer Mayte Garcia is floral magic.
Debra L. Lee
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Debra L. Lee's dress is divine.
Janelle Monáe
Never will there exist a better jumpsuit. Never.
LeToya Luckett
Singer LeToya Luckett is seriously making me reconsider the high-slit's merits.
Fantasia Barrino
Recording artist Fantasia Barrino was the definition of high glam.
Andra Day
Andra Day's vintage-inspired look is warming my retro soul.
Zuri Hall
TV personality Zuri Hall was midriff-baring perfection.
David Tlale
Designer David Tlale was seemingly channeling Prince's gender-bending silhouettes at the BETs.
Kimberly Elise
Actor Kimberly Elise was bringing out total flapper vibes.
Ingrid
Recording artist Ingrid brought boho back in a very big way.
Marsai Martin
Actor Marsai Martin proved that you can never go wrong with a classic white frock.
EJ Johnson
EJ Johnson wore a look that Prince himself would have been proud of.
Eva Marcille
Actor Eva Marcille is going to be the reason the extra-mini comes back into vogue.
Miles Brown
Why are child actors so damn precious? Why?
Lela Loren
Actor Lela Loren's cut-out gown was so bold and so chic.
Danielle Mone Truitt
Never has there been a prettier purple than Danielle Mone Truitt's keyhole and cut-out gown.
Toni Braxton
Mesh and cutouts are a girl's best friends.
French Montana
Rapper French Montana killed it in some angelic-esque threads and kicks.
Bresha Webb
The LBD will never go out of style, people.
Christon Gray
What a suit!
Nandi Mngoma
Singer Nandi Mngoma's train brought #regal vibes to a predominently edgy carpet.
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson: Master of the monochrome.
Regina Hall
Actor Regina Hall made mesh appear elegant. For that, she is an official style pro.
Meagan Good
Actor Meagan Good's emerald gown was too spectacular for words.
Anthony Hamilton
Grammy-winning R&B artist Anthony Hamilton rocked the King Of The Vests.
Tia Mowry
One half of our beloved Sister, Sister team, Tia Mowry's printed and long-sleeve mini was bold and badass.
Loni Love
Comedian and actor Loni Love proved that plus size babes can rock any bold print under the sun.
Zulay Henao
Actor Zulay Henao takes the evening's prize for best cape-like detailing.
Bibi Bourelly
German singer/songwriter Bibi Bourelly is a reminder that the punk prep aesthetic must never die.
Lil Deedee
Never have Harry Potter-esque spectacles looked as astonishing as they do on Lil Deedee.
Jasmine Sanders
Actor and model Jasmine Sanders' dress was a dose of the punk and the secretarial in equal measure.
EJ King
The belt, the bling, the glasses: perfection.
Diamond Platnumz
Tanzanian recording artist and singer Diamond Platnumz had the best tie of the evening. No question.
Millen Magese
Model Millen Magese won the award for Brightest Outfit Of The BETs.
Miss Vee
Miss Vee's ensemble is basically the '70s in a dress.
Katlynn Simone
Actor Katlynn Simone rocked what looked like a ballgown to the BETs and it was a phenomenal moment.
Jacob Latimore
Recording artist Jacob Latimore contrasted his all-white suit with all-black kicks.
Yara Shahidi
Black-ish actor Yara Shahidi slayed in a strappy dress reminiscent of the '90s.
Orlando Jones
Comedian and actor Orlando Jones is making a case for color-mixing.
Tasha Cobbs
Musician Tasha Cobbs definitely made a case for sticking to classic black and white.
Rocsi Diaz
Television personality Rocsi Diaz proved that you cannot go wrong with an embellished jumpsuit.
Rhonda Wills
It isn't easy to rock bright yellow, but television personality Rhonda Wills nailed it.
Mara Schiavocampo
ABC News journalist Mara Schiavocampo channeled some serious Red Woman vibes.
Falz
Nigerian rapper Falz eschewed the classic suit in exchange for this white-on-white number.
Akon
On the opposite side of the coin, rapper and record producer Akon rocked a simple black-on-black ensemble perfect for New York City.
Renee Bargh
This studded number is everything.
Sophie Beem
The sleeves on this dress are '70s boho at its glammiest.
Yvette Nicole Brown
Actor, singer, and comedian Yvette Nicole Brow rocked the high bun to perfection. And that skirt? Glorious.
Karrueche Tran
Actor and model Karrueche Tran's dress is the perfect blend of '90s strappy glory and button-down detailing.
Nomzamo Mbatha
South-African actor and model Nomzamo Mbatha is giving us a behind-the-scenes peak into her BETs prep; and if that glorious head scarf is any indication, her look tonight is going to kill it.
King Solo
The psychedelic-esque pattern-mixing in this look is out of this world in the best of ways.
De'Anna Liz & Cherish Frazier
BTS at the BET Awards Beauty Lounge, model Liz and MUA Frazier make the perfectly contrasting sartorial pair.
August O'Neal
Comedian August O'Neal is keeping things simple in a cardigan of dreams.
Latham Thomas
Author and founder of Mama Glow, Latham Thomas is rocking the high bun and head scarf look in her BTS shot.
What a magical night of sartorial prowess.
