This year the BET AWARDS 12 (#BETAWARDS) will be ‘Too Big To Miss.’ Earlier today at a press conference held in BET’s New York studios, it was announced that actor Samuel L. Jackson, declared the highest grossing movie actor of all time according to the Guinness Book of World Records, will be this year’s BET AWARDS host. In addition, the members of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly were announced to be the prestigious recipients of the ‘Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award;’ and Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj were revealed as the first confirmed performers.

Respectfully labeled as one of the hardest working actors in Hollywood, Samuel L. Jackson is an undisputed star as demonstrated in the fact that his films have grossed the most money in box office sales than any other actor in the history of filmmaking. Currently, the Oscar-nominated actor is on screen in “The Avengers,” which is part of his 9-picture deal with Marvel Studios. The highly anticipated film opened on May 4, 2012 to a record shattering $200 million opening weekend.
“We are massively excited about having Sam Jackson, the world’s biggest box office star, host The BET Awards 12,” said Stephen G. Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks. “His wit, presence and gigantic personality are the perfect match for our show.”
On hand from BET’s NYC studios to announce the nominees for the BET AWARDS 12 were Mindless Behavior, Big Sean, Melanie Fiona, DJ Khaled, Astro, A$AP Rocky and Diggy, along with the Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award honorees Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.
The BET AWARDS is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The BET AWARDS franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET’s #1 telecast every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers and athletes in 20 categories. Leading the pack of A-list talent this year is Kanye West with an impressive 7 Nominations: Best Collaboration, Video Director of the Year, and 5 notable nominations for ‘The Throne’ with Jay-Z. ‘The Throne’ received nominations for Best Group, Best Collaboration ft. Otis Redding, Coca-Cola Viewer’s Choice and 2 nods for Video of the Year for “N*ggas in Paris” and “Otis.” Close behind is Beyonce with 6 Nominations: Best Female R&B Artist, Best Collaboration, Video Director of the Year, Coca-Cola Viewer’s Choice and 2 nods for Video of the Year for “Countdown” and “Love on Top.”
“We have many more acts to come,” added Hill, “but we’re proud to have the dynamic Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj as our first-announced performers. The Shrine Auditorium will be shaking for the R&B stalwarts Maze featuring Frankie Beverly as they receive the Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award. We’re just getting started and already the show is living up to its slogan: it’s too big to miss.”