“Forget the Oscars”—Jamie Foxx Gets Emotional in Raw BET Awards Speech

Jamie Foxx Says BET Icon Award Means More Than Any Oscar: “It Comes From Us”

Jamie Foxx, the Oscar-winning actor, comedian, and musician, delivered an emotional and powerful message at the 2025 BET Awards on Sunday night. As he accepted the Ultimate Icon Award, Foxx made one thing very clear: this honor, given by his own community, meant more to him than any accolade Hollywood could offer.

“A lot of people think the Oscars is the biggest thing,” Foxx told the audience at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. “We gotta quit thinking like that… The Icon Award is the most important because it comes from us.”

That statement wasn’t just about trophies—it was about legacy, identity, survival, and the importance of being recognized by one’s own people.

A Triumphant Return

The night marked a significant moment in Foxx’s career and personal life. Just over a year ago, the multi-talented star was hospitalized for what was described as a “medical complication” that nearly took his life. For months, his health was shrouded in mystery, with fans, media, and even some industry peers unsure whether he would return to the spotlight at all.

But on this night, Foxx wasn’t just back—he was stronger, wiser, and deeply reflective.

“I almost didn’t make it,” he admitted. “And when you get a second chance, you look at everything different. You thank harder. You love deeper.”

As he stood on stage, he took a deep breath and thanked his family—especially his daughters—for never leaving his side. His voice cracked with emotion as he looked into the crowd and said, “My girls were there every step of the way. I live for them.”

More Than Just a Trophy

While the Ultimate Icon Award recognizes career excellence across music, film, and culture, Foxx turned the moment into something bigger: a cultural reset. He challenged the traditional idea that validation must come from white Hollywood institutions like the Academy Awards.

“Don’t get me wrong, the Oscar changed my life,” Foxx acknowledged. “But this? This is soul-deep. This means my people see me.”

The message landed hard. In a room filled with Black entertainers, trailblazers, and fans, Foxx reminded everyone that platforms like BET are not “less than” — they are vital, powerful, and essential.

“When BET gives you your flowers, they’re coming from a place of truth. It’s not about politics, not about ratings—it’s about respect,” he said.

A Career Worth Honoring

Foxx’s journey to icon status has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days on In Living Color, where he brought comedy to life with unforgettable impressions, to winning Best Actor at the Oscars for Ray (2004), Foxx has built a career that defies easy labels.

He has starred in blockbuster action films (Django Unchained, Baby Driver), delivered chart-topping music (Blame It, Unpredictable), and brought humanity to characters in ways few actors can match.

But it’s not just his talent that defines him—it’s his perseverance, his humor, and his unshakable connection to the culture.

“You’ve always known me as somebody who brings the jokes, brings the music, brings the energy,” he told the crowd. “But what you might not see is the fight behind the scenes—the fight to stay true, to stay here.”

Speaking Directly to the Culture

Foxx used the moment not just to reflect, but to uplift.

“We’re in a time where we need to love each other out loud,” he said. “They try to divide us, but nights like this? They remind me that we’re unstoppable together.”

He encouraged young Black creators to stop chasing approval from systems not built for them and to instead invest in their own stories and platforms.

“BET ain’t a side stage,” he said. “It’s the main stage. Always has been.”

Standing Ovation

As Foxx left the stage, the entire room rose to their feet. It wasn’t just applause—it was recognition. From Taraji P. Henson to Usher and Quinta Brunson, stars wiped away tears, hugged one another, and mouthed “thank you” to the man who had just reminded them of something many forget: community matters.

Social media quickly lit up with praise. One fan tweeted, “Jamie Foxx just redefined what it means to be an icon. That was church.” Another wrote, “He said what needed to be said. Our platforms matter.”