The 12th BET Awards were held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on July 1, 2012.

[1] The awards recognize Americans in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson hosted the event for the first time.

[4][5] The BET-televised event was watched by 7.42 million viewers and achieved a 3.2 rating in the adult 18-49 demographic, marking the highest numbers for the night on basic cable.

[6] Typically taking place every June, this was the first ceremony to be held in July.