Don Cheadle took the time to pay tribute and focus attention towards Nelson Mandela last night at The BET Awards while presenting the Best Male R&B Pop Artist to Miguel.

Nelson MandelaNelson Mandela has been on life support for the past week

"We want to take a moment and send our prayers and thoughts to a man who literally changed the world,” he said of the South African leader, who revolutionised his country during apartheid and suffered as a result. "This evening we would like to offer prayers and support and hope to the extraordinary Nelson Mandela and his family.”

It was a poignant moment in an otherwise smooth awards show, which saw Rihanna take home the prize for Best Female R&B Pop Artist. Lamar claimed best new artist and best male hip-hop artist at the show, which seems less impressive when you know he was nominated for a total of eight awards. Nicki Minaj - for a fourth consecutive year – bagged the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. Bet she loves the absence of Missy Elliot from the scene right now.

RihannaRihanna was one of the winners at the BET awards

Drake's Started at the Bottom won Video of the Year, and the Canadian rapper also won the Viewers' Choice award. And away from music, Jamie Foxx – who enjoyed a turn as the titular character in Django Unchained – won best actor. Performance-wise, the night’s delectations didn’t disappoint. Robin Thicke, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Miguel and Ciara entertained the audience, while Janelle Monae closed the awards with Erykah Badu.