Black Entertainment Television Awards: Donald Glover Questions His Win Count

Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, recently questioned the number of Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards he has received compared to white musician Sam Smith. At the 2024 BET Awards, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, Glover expressed his confusion while presenting the Album of the Year award to rapper Killer Mike. The BET Awards, established in 2001, celebrate Black entertainers and other minorities across music, film, sports, and philanthropy. This year’s ceremony included a tribute to OJ Simpson and the release of Will Smith’s new single.

Glover stated his excitement to be present but admitted he had some concerns to address. He jokingly questioned why he hasn’t received more BET Awards, emphasizing the “Black” in Black Entertainment Television. He compared his accolades to both Will Smith and Sam Smith, highlighting that he has more Grammys than Will Smith (five compared to two) yet the same number of BET Awards as Sam Smith: one each. Glover won Best Music Video in 2019 for “This is America,” while Smith won Best New Artist in 2015.

Glover jokingly questioned if it made sense that he and Sam Smith have the same number of awards at the Black Entertainment Television Awards. He humorously suggested he might need to take drastic measures, like starring in a Tyler Perry film, to increase his BET Award count. Despite his comments, Glover also participated in a tribute to Usher, who received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside artists like Keke Palmer, Chloe Bailey, and Teyana Taylor.

Smith and Glover at a Vanity Fair and Barneys New York dinner in 2016

Killer Mike, the Album of the Year recipient, also reflected on his previous arrest at the Grammy Awards. He celebrated his return to the awards stage, attributing his presence to a higher power. This year’s BET Awards provided both memorable moments and thought-provoking commentary on representation within the entertainment industry.