Michelle Obama presents Beyoncé with BET Humanitarian Award

Former first lady Michelle Obama honoured Beyoncé with a glowing tribute to the singer's talent and philanthropy during the BET Awards on Sunday night.

Beyoncé was presented with the 2020 Humanitarian of the Year Award at the ceremony, which celebrates Black excellence in the entertainment industry. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the event took place virtually for the first time.

Obama delivered a video tribute, in which she commended Beyoncé's charitable work, activism, generous spirit and push to uplift the community around her.

"You can see it in everything she does, from her music that gives voice to black joy and black pain, to her activism that demands justice for black lives," she said.

"And no matter how big the stages get, I know my girl isn't satisfied unless she's sharing all that shine she has with the next generation."

Obama, who continues to speak out about racism and sexism, commended Beyoncé for her work in promoting younger performers and calling out oppression and prejudice in the industry. She also described Beyoncé as an inspiration, remaining devoted to her three children and husband Jay-Z throughout all her work.

"She's always turning up, looking out and making us all a little bit better, a little more fierce and she's doing it all while staying devoted to her children and the loved ones she holds dear," she said.

.@Beyonce's acceptance speech for her 'BET Humanitarian Award' #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/FqNHBBWKQk

— Beyoncé Charts (@yoncechart) June 29, 2020

Beyoncé will release a visual album called Black is King via Disney+ on July 31. The project -- which she wrote, directed, and executive produced -- will celebrate Black resilience and culture. It's based on the music of The Lion King: The Gift, the Beyoncé-curated soundtrack album for the Lion King animated remake, with the goal of using lessons from the classic story to uplift "young kings and queens in search of their own crown".

Read the list of winners from the award ceremony below:

Album of the year - Roddy Ricch (Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial)
Best new artist - Roddy Ricch
Best female R&B/pop artist - Lizzo
Best male R&B/pop artist - Chris Brown
Best international act - Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Music video of the year - Higher (DJ Khaled, John Legend and Nipsey Hussle)
Best male hip-hop artist - DaBaby
Best female hip-hop artist - Megan Thee Stallion
Best collaboration - Chris Brown ft Drake (No Guidance)
Best group - Migos
Best actor - Michael B Jordan
Best actress - Issa Rae
Best movie - Queen & Slim
Viewers' choice award - Megan Thee Stallion ft Nicki Minaj and Ty Dollar Sign (Hot Girl Summer)
Young stars award - Marsai Martin
Sportsman of the year - LeBron James
Sportswoman of the year - Simone Biles
BET HER Award - Beyoncé ft Blue Ivy, WizKid & Saint Jhn, Brown Skin Girl
Viewer's choice best new international act - Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)