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LOS ANGELES, June 27 (UPI) -- Beyonce and Drake were the big winners at the 2016 BET Awards. Beyonce, who opened the show Sunday alongside Kendrick Lamar for a fiery performance of "Freedom," led all other artists taking home four awards out of five nominations including Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Video of the Year for "Formation" and the Coca-Cola Viewers Choice Award.
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Beyonce's mother, Tina Knowles, accepted the awards on the singer's behalf as she left the awards show following her performance to start her upcoming international tour.
The night's other big winner was Drake, who won three awards out a of dominating nine nominations. The rapper was honored with trophies for Best Male Hip-Hop artist, Best Group with Future and Best Collaboration for this featured verse on Rihanna's hit single "Work."
Behind Beyonce and Drake was newcomer Bryson Tiller making a name for himself winning two awards that included Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and Best New Artist. Tiller also performed his hit "Don't" onstage.
Special recognition went to actor Samuel L. Jackson, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Grey's Anatomy actor and activist Jesse Williams, who was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Williams, a star and executive producer of the documentary Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement, gave a passionate speech about racial inequality in America.
The night's other winners included Nicki Minaj, who won Best Female Hip-Hop artist, Empire's Taraji P. Henson, who took home Best Actress, and Michael B. Jordan, who was awarded Best Actor. Straight Outta Compton was named Best Movie.
