Scott Kirkland/FOX(NEW YORK) — Producer and director Lee Daniels is among the people being celebrated at this year’s BET Honors, which airs tonight. The two-hour special is a glitzy affair celebrating the outstanding achievements of extraordinary leaders and recognizes trailblazers in art, music, theater, education, technology and business.
The brazen Hollywood heavyweight behind the hit prime-time series Empire and critically acclaimed films Monster’s Ball, Precious and Lee Daniels’ The Butler was humbled by the honor, but confident too and proud of his achievements.
“I’ve paved my own way, I play by my own rules and I dance to my own music and I think that’s reason why I am here tonight,” he told ABC Radio at the event, taped March 5 at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Empire star Jussie Smollett was on hand to pay homage to his boss, singing Michael Jackson’s classic “Man in the Mirror” as a musical tribute to Daniels during the show.
He shared how the night’s honoree affected his life.
“It’s kind of obvious that he’s impacted my career but it’s so much deeper than that,” he said. “He’s someone I could look up to and I could be like, ‘You know what? If that’s me in my 50s I’m a be alright. And it’s something to look forward to.’ And he firmly has his feet planted on the ground and he walks in his truth. And again, sometimes that’s not always the easiest thing to do. It’s a lot easier to tell the truth than to tell lies. So for that, I’m just extremely grateful to have him in my life.”
Hosted by Arsenio Hall, The BET Honors airs Monday, March 14, at 8:00 p.m. Other honorees include financial expert Mellody Hobson, former Attorney General Eric H. Holder, music executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid and legendary singer Patti LaBelle.
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