The Award Trophy, inspired by three words - aspire, ascend, achieve, was designed by artist/sculptor Carlos "Mare139" Rodriguez.

The nomination process is handled by a voting academy made up of about 500 people from the music industry, involving the media, and bloggers.

Nominations and voting ballots are collated by Yangaroo, Inc., a leading digital distribution firm that works on many other televised award ceremonies, including those of BET's sister networks under parent company Paramount Global.

The BET Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian and Ultimate Icon Award recipients, along with the nominees for other categories are announced in a press conference.

The BET Lifetime Achievement Award is given a veteran artist or group who has made notable contributions to the music industry.