Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe LOS ANGELES, May 15 (UPI) -- Black Entertainment Network officials have announced that the 2nd annual BET Awards will include special honors for boxing legend Muhammad Ali and rhythm and blues hit makers Earth, Wind & Fire. Ali will be the first recipient of BET's new humanitarian award. Advertisement Earth, Wind & Fire -- best known for their '70s hits "That's the Way of the World," "Shining Star" and "After the Love Has Gone" -- will receive the network's lifetime achievement award. The late singer-actress Aaliyah led the field with four nominations -- for best female R&B singer, actress ("The Queen of the Damned") video of the year and people's choice video ("Rock the Boat"). Alicia Keys and B2K had three nominations each. Keys was nominated for best female R&B singer, new artist and people's choice video ("Fallin'"). B2K was nominated for best group, new artist and people's choice video ("Uh Huh"). Morgan Freeman, Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, Chris Tucker and Denzel Washington are up for best actor. In addition to Aaliyah, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Vivica A. Fox and Jada Pinkett Smith were nominated for best actress. Advertisement The BET Awards will also honor top athletes. The nominees for best male athlete are Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. The nominees for best female athlete are Laila Ali, Vonetta Flowers, Lisa Leslie, Serena Williams and Venus Williams. The 2nd annual BET Awards will be handed out June 25 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, in ceremonies to be hosted by Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer and telecast live over BET.
