Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian made a fabulous foursome.
Jamie Foxx veered from the red carpet to connect with his fans.
Chaka Khan looked typically cool, even in the heat, even in black.
"Think Like a Man" stars Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson hug it out.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West went cool in matching whites.
Willow Smith and brother Jaden Smith hold their own on the red carpet, sans parents Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Kim Kardashian and Beyonce do the dish before the show.
The OMG Girlz got the crowd going early.
Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson gave the censors a workout when they riffed on a Kanye West tune.
Kanye West was hot on stage, performing "Way Too Cold," followed by an a cappella freestyle.
Chante Moore performs a medley of Donna Summer songs in a tribute to the singer, who died this year.
Chris Brown picked up the BET Award for Best Male R&B Artist, dropping the news that his upcoming album will be his last.
Nicki Minaj rocked the house and kept censors on their toes, performing "Champion" and "Beez in the Trap" with 2 Chainz.
D'Angelo returned to the stage for his first televised performance in 12 years.
Melanie Fiona sings "Wrong Side of a Love Song" at the BET Awards.
During the tribute to Whitney Houston, the late singer's mother, Cissy, delivered a moving rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" that brought the audience to its feet.
Heat? It couldn't have more cool outside on the red carpet or inside for the show at 2012 BET Awards Sunday at the Shine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The evening included tributes to Whitney Houston, Donna Summer, Don Cornelius and Dick Clark.
(All photos by Getty Images)