With #OscarsSoWhite2016 seemingly behind us (at least for now), BET Networks celebrating black excellence at its ninth annual “BET Honors” special hosted by Arsenio Hall – his first hosting appearance on the “BET Honors” stage. 

The star-studded night will honor five distinguished African Americans performing at exceptional levels, per the press release.

This year’s honorees are Lee Daniels (Television and Film Award); Mellody Hobson (Corporate Citizen Award); Eric H. Holder, Jr. (Public Service Award); Patti Labelle (Musical Arts Awards); and L.A. Reid (The Business of Entertainment Award).

Taped at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., the event will also pay tribute to Natalie Cole and Earth Wind & Fire’s Maurice White. It will air March 14 on BET.

BET.com will join the kudo-fest with the inaugural launch of  Next in Class, a digital celebration of young leaders, innovators and influencers whose stars are rising in the fields of  STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), philanthropy & social justice, music, fashion & style, creative arts & entertainment and education.

“BET Honors” is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment. Executive Producers of the network telecast are as follows: Stephen Hill, Connie Orlando and Lynne Harris Taylor from BET; and Jesse Collins from Jesse Collins Entertainment.

For more information on “BET Honors,” visit http://www.bet.com/bethonors. 

Join the conversation about the special on Twitter by using hashtags: #BETHonors; follow the show for all updates & special surprises @BET.