Golden Globe-winning actress, filmmaker, and philanthropist Taraji P. Henson has just been announced as the host of the BET Awards 2022, making it the second time the Academy Award-nominated star has emceed culture’s biggest night in entertainment.

“I am honored to return as the host of the BET Awards and share the stage with so many powerful and prolific artists; you can even say it is the ‘empire’ of Black Excellence,” said Henson.

“Working with amazing partners like Scott and Connie at BET and Jesse Collins Entertainment is a creative’s dream. I can’t wait to celebrate Black music, entertainment, and culture with our viewers on what will be one unforgettable night.”

Over the last decade, the Washington D.C. native has appeared in some of Hollywood’s most critically acclaimed projects, some of which include her iconic role as “Cookie Lyon” in Fox’s hit musical drama Empire, three Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe Award, a Critics Choice Award, and three BET Awards.

Most recently Henson’s TPH Entertainment struck an overall deal with BET Studios, an unprecedented studio venture launched in September 2021 powered by the infrastructure and financing of BET and Paramount to produce original content for an array of internal buyers, including Paramount+, SHOWTIME, CBS, Nickelodeon, BET+, and BET.

BET AWARDS 2022 airs LIVE on BET on Sunday, June 26 at 8 PM ET/PT.