Jamie Foxx’s triumphant return to the spotlight reached a powerful crescendo on Monday night (June 9), when the beloved actor, comedian, and singer was honored with the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards. In an emotional speech that left both the crowd and viewers at home visibly moved, Foxx opened up about his near-death health scare and the gratitude he carries for a second chance at life.
Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, the 25th annual BET Awards was packed with unforgettable performances and emotional tributes — but it was Foxx’s speech that truly stole the show. As he stood before a room of peers, family, and fans, the 56-year-old Oscar winner struggled to hold back tears while reflecting on how far he’s come since suffering a stroke and brain bleed in April 2023, a life-threatening medical emergency he first spoke about publicly in his 2024 Netflix comedy special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…
“I cannot even begin to express the love that I feel from everybody out there,” Foxx said, his voice cracking as he accepted the award. “I gotta be honest — when I saw the In Memoriam, I was like, man, it could have been me.”
The room fell silent as Foxx paused, visibly emotional, before continuing: “I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but I know my second chance, I’m not gonna turn down. I have so much love to give.”
He then offered a raw, honest glimpse into his relationship with faith, sharing how he pleaded with God during his darkest moments. “I told Him, I said, ‘Man, just give me one more crack at this.’ I said, ‘For whatever reason you put this on me, I promise I’m gonna do right.’ And I’m gonna do right in front of y’all.”
Foxx’s remarks weren’t just about gratitude — they were a reminder of resilience, cultural pride, and a deep appreciation for the community that supported him during his time away from the public eye. “When I did my special, it was in front of Black people,” he said. “Black people were the ones that said, ‘Man, we got you.’ Not to say that white people can’t pray either. I know that sounds weird, but y’all know what I’m saying. It’s like you guys held me down.”
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, echoing the very love and support Foxx had just referenced.
He also reserved heartfelt thanks for the two people who stood by him every step of the way — his daughters, Corinne and Anelise. “They made sure I was here,” he said, his voice softening. “They made sure that I survived.”
Foxx’s health scare in 2023 had been shrouded in mystery at the time, with his family choosing to keep details private while he underwent an intense recovery. For six months, the multi-talented star virtually disappeared from public view. While fans speculated about his condition, Foxx stayed focused on healing — emerging only when he was truly ready to speak.
That moment came with his Netflix special, where he revealed the gravity of his medical emergency for the first time. Monday night’s BET Awards marked another milestone in his comeback — one where he could not only speak his truth but also celebrate how far he’s come with the very people who helped him get there.
Foxx also used his platform to express his gratitude to BET for the honor and to reflect on what awards like this really mean. “Thank you to Black people and the Black award, because this is what really counts,” he said. “A lot of people think like the Oscars is the biggest thing, and we got to quit thinking like that. And that’s coming from a person who won an Oscar. I was nominated twice. But the Icon Award is the most important award — because it comes from us.”
That declaration was met with a standing ovation — a moment that cemented Foxx’s status not just as an entertainer, but as a living symbol of perseverance, transformation, and cultural pride.
With over three decades of work across film, television, and music, Jamie Foxx has long been regarded as one of the most versatile and talented performers of his generation. But this moment was bigger than his career accolades — it was a celebration of survival, strength, and the journey back to purpose.
As he wrapped up his speech, Foxx left the stage with more than just an award in hand — he carried the weight of experience and the renewed fire of someone who has been given, in his own words, “one more crack at this.”