By
Samantha Ofole-Prince

She may have been robbed of an Oscar, but at the Black Entertainment Awards (BET), Taraji P. Henson finally received the Best Actress accolade for her role as Queenie in the Oscar winning flick “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

Hosted by comedian and actor Jamie Foxx and held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles , the show featured a who’s who in entertainment with celebrities in attendance from all genres of music, movies and sports and a tribute to Michael Jackson.

Ne-Yo who also picked up an award for Best R&B Male Artist sang one of Jackson's most sensual songs, "Lady in my Life, whilst New Edition ran through several of the Jackson 5's greatest hits from “I Want You Back" to "ABC," mirroring their idols right down to the group's choreography.

With other performances including a spunky medley by Keri Hilson who earned the BET Award for Best New Artist, Neyo, Keyshia Cole, Guy, Keith Sweat, Bel, Biv Devoe, Maxwell, Beyonce all performed with many of these celebrities sharing their personal memories of the deceased icon. 

The legendary soul trio the O’Jays who rose to fame in the 1970s with tunes such as “Back Stabbers,” “For the Love of Money” and the chart-topping “Love Train,” received a lifetime achievement honor from presenters Tyrese, Trey Songz and Johnny Gill and stole the night with a classy performance of their biggest hits.

2009 BET Awards Winners

Video of the Year: Beyonce Knowles - "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
Best Male R&B Artist: Ne-Yo
Best Female R&B Artist: Beyonce Knowles
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Lil Wayne
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: M.I.A.
Best Group: DAY26
Best New Artist: Keri Hilson
Viewer's Choice: T.I. feat. Rihanna - "Live Your Life"
Best Collaboration: Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain - "Blame It"
Video Director of the Year: Benny Boom
Centric Award: Jazmine Sullivan
Best Gospel Artist: Mary Mary
Best Actor: Will Smith
Best Actress: Taraji P. Henson
Best Male Athlete: LeBron James
Best Female Athlete: Serena Williams
Humanitarian Award: Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean
Lifetime Achievement Award: The O'Jays