Beyonce Knowles grabbed a trophy for Best Female R&B Artist at this year's BET Awards. When collecting the prize, the wife of rap mogul Jay-Z managed to thank her idol Michael Jackson, who shocked the world with his sudden death on June 25.
Another winner at the annual event was DAY26. The group formed by P. Diddy through MTV's reality show "Making the Band" bagged an honor for Best Group, putting aside such contenders as GS Boyz, N.E.R.D, The Roots and Three 6 Mafia.
Meanwhile, The O'Jays, Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean were handed special awards. The O'Jays got Lifetime Achievement Award for their notable contributions to music industry, while Alicia and Wyclef received Humanitarian Award for their contributions to charitable causes.
2009 BET Awards was conducted at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles with its host, presenters and performers paying tribute to Michael Jackson. Among those attending the event was Michael's father, Joseph Jackson.