NEARLY half of the winners were no-shows at Tuesday night’s fifth annual BET Awards in Hollywood.

Rapper Kanye West (right), who won best male hip-hop artist and video of the year, didn’t even bother to say thanks via satellite from Europe.

“He is currently filming a video in Europe for his next album,” a Def Jam rep told The Post. “But he wanted to be there.”

Apparently not enough.

Neither did hip-hop artist Usher, who won the best male R&B award. Even the best gospel artist, one Donnie McClurkin, sat out the broadcast because he was “preaching in South Carolina,” his rep said.

Denzel Washington and his wife, Pauletta, won a humanitarian award – but only she showed. Best actress winner Regina King and best actor Jamie Foxx were also absent.

Stephanie Whitaker, a BET event coordinator reached via telephone at the network’s offices, said, “I don’t know the reasons why the winners didn’t show.”

Also failing to represent were hip-hop groups Black Eyed Peas and OutKast, and Michael Jackson, who was rumored to appear.

Still, the 3 1/2-hour show had a performance by the Fugees and a mouthwatering lap dance from Beyoncé that left “Hustle & Flow” star Terrence Howard speechless.