In recognition of his decades of revolutionary contributions to music, entertainment, advocacy, and community effect, Jamie Foxx received the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards. The award was given to him by renowned musician Stevie Wonder, who gave a moving introduction, reminiscing about their longstanding relationship and Foxx's amazing skill.

The moving address given by Jamie Foxx at the BET Awards

Foxx's acceptance speech was full of emotion as he thought back to his almost-fatal stroke in April 2023 and thanked God for giving him a second chance at life.

The 'in memoriam' section of the awards ceremony made me think, man, that could have been me. I have to be honest. I don't understand why I experienced what I did, but I won't pass up my second opportunity. I won't pass up my second opportunity," Foxx added.

Foxx next remembered asking for "one more crack" at life.

"Regardless of why you did this to me, I said, I swear I'll do the right thing. I'm going to behave in front of all of you since I know that sometimes we forget about our roots when we get on," Foxx stated.

Foxx honors his daughters

In honor of his two daughters, Corinne and Anelise, the 57-year-old celebrity emphasized their continuous support throughout his rehabilitation. "I cannot say enough about you," he said of his 31-year-old daughter, Corinne. "You've always taken the backseat to everything. However, you drove it whenever it was necessary. You also saw to it that I was present. Additionally, I won't refuse.

"My baby with the big hair," Foxx remarked of Anelise. "She hides under that hair because she's got something special." "You're so beautiful, man." He also stated that he didn't want his 14-year-old daughter to see him when he was struggling for his life and experiencing bad vital signs.

“But my Anelise heard the conversation and snuck into my hospital room with her guitar, saying, ‘I know what my daddy needs.’ Then, as she played the guitar, my vitals plummeted, and I understood that God was in that guitar, and the nurses rushed in and said, ‘What did they give him?’ My daughter responded, ‘Shh, I got him,’" Foxx said..

Jamie Foxx receives a musical homage

Numerous musicians, including Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, Ludacris, Tank, Jennifer Hudson, Doug E. Fresh, Teddy Riley, and T-Pain, paid musical homage to Foxx during the ceremony by performing his hits Unpredictable, Night Time Is the Right Time, and Blame It. These tributes honored Foxx's diverse career and lasting legacy in the entertainment world.

Additionally, Mariah Carey, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg were honored in this category by the BET Ultimate Icon Award.