The 3rd BET Awards took place at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California on June 24, 2003. The awards recognized Americans in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. Comedian Mo'Nique hosted the event for the first time.

Awards and nominations

Best Female R&B Artist

• India Arie
• Amerie
• Vivian Green
• Heather Headley
• Erykah Badu

Best Male R&B Artist

• Jaheim
• R. Kelly
• Musiq Soulchild
• Justin Timberlake
• Ginuwine

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist

• Missy Elliott
• Eve
• Lil' Kim
• Ms. Jade
• Trina

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist

• 50 Cent
• Baby
• Eminem
• Jay Z
• Nelly
• Snoop Dogg

Best New Artist

• 50 Cent
• Floetry
• Heather Headley
• Sean Paul
• Justin Timberlake

Best Group

• B2K
• Clipse
• Mary Mary
• Floetry
• The Roots

Best Gospel Artist

• Yolanda Adams
• Donnie McClurkin
• Kirk Franklin
• Tonéx
• Smokie Norful

Best Actress

• Queen Latifah
• Gabrielle Union
• Halle Berry
• Nicole Ari Parker
• Sanaa Lathan

Best Actor

• Derek Luke
• Nick Cannon
• Mos Def
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Denzel Washington

Best Female Athlete of the Year

• Serena Williams
• Sheryl Swoopes
• Lisa Leslie
• Laila Ali
• Venus Williams

Best Male Athlete of the Year

• Kobe Bryant
• Tiger Woods
• Barry Bonds
• Allen Iverson
• Tracy McGrady

Video of the Year

• Erykah Badu for "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" featuring Common
• B2K for "Girlfriend"
• Missy Elliott for "Work It"
• Eminem for "Lose Yourself"
• Nelly for "Hot in Herre"

Viewer's Choice

• B2K for "Bump, Bump, Bump featuring P. Diddy
• 50 Cent for "In da Club"
• R. Kelly for "Ignition (Remix)"
• Missy Elliott for "Work It"
• Erykah Badu for "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" featuring Common

Best Collaboration

• Snoop Dogg for "Beautiful" featuring Pharrell Williams & Charlie Wilson
• Nelly for "Dilemma" featuring Kelly Rowland
• Erykah Badu for "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" featuring Common
• Jay Z for "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" featuring Beyoncé
• Missy Elliott for "Gossip Folks" featuring Ludacris & Ms. Jade

Lifetime Achievement Award

• James Brown (awarded by Michael Jackson)

Humanitarian Award

• Magic Johnson