Singer Beyonce accepts the award for Best Female R&B Artist onstage during the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on July 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Christopher Polk/Getty Images For BET/AFP)

Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kanye West and Chris Brown were big winners at the BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, picking up multiple trophies each.

Jay-Z and Kanye West’s The Throne collaboration won them Best Group and Video of the Year honours, while Beyonce picked up Best Female R& B Artist and Video Director of the Year, opposite her sister Solange’s boyfriend Alan Ferguson.

Brown claimed the night’s Best Male R&B Artist award and was also voted the fans’ favourite artist overall.

It was also a big night for Whitney Houston fans - the late star was the subject of a lengthy and emotionally-charged tribute, which featured a heartfelt speech by Mariah Carey and performances from Monica, Brandy, Chaka Khan and the tragic singer’s mother Cissy.

The ceremony also featured a host of stunning performances from the likes of Nicki Minaj, Usher, Tyga, Brown, West and D’Angelo, who made his first televised performance in 12 years at the BET Awards.

The list of winners at press time is:

Best Group - The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

Best New Artist - Big Sean

Best Male R&B Artist - Chris Brown

Best Collaboration - Lotus Flower Bomb by Wale featuring Miguel

Best Gospel - Yolanda Adams

Best Female R&B Artist - Beyonce

Best Female Hip Hop Artist - Nicki Minaj

AOL Fandemonium Award - Chris Brown

Video of the Year - The Throne by Jay-Z & Kanye West

Video Director of the Year - Beyonce & Alan Ferguson

Centric Award - Common

Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award - Mindless Behavior

Best Actor - Kevin Hart

Sportswoman of the Year - Serena Williams (tennis)

Sportsman of the Year - Kevin Durant (basketball)

Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award - Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

Humanitarian Award - Revd. Al Sharpton