Hollywood Unlocked’s Jason Lee Talks Namesake Show’s Move to BET & Upcoming Impact Awards: ‘Culture Is Not a Monolith’
Billboard
Last updated: June 5, 2026
Hollywood Unlocked is hosting its sixth annual Impact Awards, introducing a new Patti LaBelle Legacy Award. The event will also benefit the Hollywood Cares Foundation, which supports underserved youth. The Jason Lee Show has moved to BET Creator Studio, with CEO Jason Lee emphasizing the importance of creator ownership and the legacy of BET as a brand.
- The sixth annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards will take place on Friday, June 5, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
- Patti LaBelle will receive the inaugural Patti LaBelle Legacy Award.
- The ceremony will be hosted by Tiffany Haddish and streamed live on the Zeus Network.
- Proceeds from the event will benefit the Hollywood Cares Foundation, a nonprofit supporting underserved youth in Black and Brown communities, which received a $13 million grant from Governor Gavin Newsom for a youth center.
- Other honorees include Tyler Perry (Innovator Award), Kehlani (Fearlessness Award), Kirk Franklin (Inspiration Award), RZA (Culture Award), and Bozoma Saint John (Pioneer Award).
- Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds will serve as musical director, with performances by Chlöe, Donald Lawrence, Jekalyn Carr, Joyner Lucas, Kierra Sheard, and Sheléa. A tribute to Richard Smallwood is also planned.
- Jason Lee's show, The Jason Lee Show, is now the flagship series for BET Creator Studio, a new digital platform for creators.
- The show, now in its fourth season, has featured guests like RZA and Jenifer Lewis and recently hosted Damon Dash. New episodes are available on BET.com and BET's YouTube channel.
- Lee aims to interview diverse figures such as Barack and Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and Queen Latifah, stressing the importance of covering a broad spectrum of culture.
- The move to BET aligns with Lee's commitment to self-ownership, allowing him to retain ownership of his show while collaborating with a legacy brand.
- Lee, also the vice mayor of Stockton, California, acknowledges the current climate concerning DEI and journalistic freedom and the evolving ownership of BET, expressing hope that Paramount will invest in proven brands like BET.
