The BET Awards will go virtual this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Variety, the annual awards show will air June 28 using “innovative techniques and artist-generated content.” The show will celebrate BET’s 40th anniversary and the awards show’s 20th anniversary. Nominations are yet to be announced.

BET president Scott Mills said in a statement that putting on the show was “more important than ever” this year.

“The BET Awards are a seminal event–the biggest celebration of Black culture, Black accomplishment, Black excellence and Black potential,” he said. “Our community, and the many millions who love Black culture, look to the BET Awards for signature moments of enrichment, entertainment and empowerment. Recognizing the unique role the BET Awards plays for so many, and the challenging times we find ourselves in, we know it was more important than ever to deliver the BET Awards in 2020.”

Connie Orlando, BET’s evp specials, music programming and music strategy also added that the move towards airing the show via technology puts the health of its workers first.

“At BET, we place the health and safety of attendees, staff, vendors and partners first, which is why the biggest night in Black entertainment will go on implementing this innovative production direction,” she said.

“For the past 20 years, The BET Awards have paid homage to all things now and relevant. Despite the challenges of today, we will deliver a show filled with larger than life, inspiring, empowering and entertaining moments, which have shown the magic of our culture for over two decades.”

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Photo:  JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP via Getty Images