The 5th BET Awards took place at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California on June 28, 2005. The awards recognized Americans in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. Actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith hosted the event for the first time.

American singer Ciara led the nominations with four, followed by John Legend, Kanye West and Destiny's Child with three nominations each. Gladys Knight was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and actor Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta Pearson received the Humanitarian Award.

Throughout the ceremony, it was also reported by BET News that R&B singer Luther Vandross passed away at 11pm.

All nominees are listed below, and the winners are listed in bold.