Gabrielle Union wore a form-fitting Emilio Pucci Resort 2012 dress with leaf-patterned appliqués. She paired her dress with silver peep toes and a matching clutch.

Mariah Carey hit the red carpet in a nude and black form-fitting gown.

Nick Cannon was also in attendance. It was his first public appearance since his release from the hospital because of kidney failure.

Mariah, Spike Lee and Stevie Wonder

Michelle Obama was a presenter at the show

Gabby Union posed with BET exec Stephen Hill

Kelly Rowland

Michelle Williams

Willow Smith

Soul singer Ledisi

TV’s Judge Hatchett

Stevie Wonder

Cicely Tyson arrive with designer b. Michael

Anthony Hamilton and Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

Maya Angelou

Jill Scott

“106 & Park” hostess Rocsi

BET News Anchor TJ Holmes

Spike Lee (also an honoree) attended with his beautiful wife Tonya Lewis Lee.

Red Tails star Terrence Howard and his oldest daughter Aubrey

Red Tails star Cuba Gooding Jr.

Common was a performer.

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and her fiance William ‘Willie’ Wilkerson