Timberlake sweeps MTV Europe Awards

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Copenhagen (Reuters): Justin Timberlake dominated the annual MTV Europe Music Awards, presenting the event and walking off with two of the main prizes. The U S pop star and heartthrob, whose latest album ''FutureSex/LoveSounds'' has topped charts in several countries, was named best male and best pop act, eclipsing the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who converted just one of their four nominations, an a function yesterday. The U S rockers won the best album category with ''Stadium Arcadium''. Madonna, who stole the show last year, won nothing despite being nominated three times. Gnarls Barkley won best song for ''Crazy'' and the future sound award.

Best female act went to Christina Aguilera, who beat off the likes of Madonna, Beyonce and Shakira. Best group was won by British veterans Depeche Mode, best rock by The Killers, best hip hop by rapper Kanye West and best alternative act by Muse. Best video went to Justice Vs Simian with ''We Are Your Friends''. Timberlake joked that he won the best pop category only because he agreed to compere the evening.

On receiving the best male award, he told the packed venue: ''Thanks MTV. Thanks Copenhagen. And thanks to my mum for birthing me best male.'' West was angry at losing out in the hotly contested video category. ''I worked for a month on that video and I wanted to walk home with that award,'' he said of his song ''Touch the Sky''. ''That was some complete bullshit, a spreading-the-wealth type thing.''

Muse provided one of the highlights with a live performance and spectacular laser show in the convention centre crammed with 2,500 screaming fans. Nelly Furtado and Diddy also sang there while The Killers and rapper Snoop Dogg performed in a central Copenhagen square where thousands more people gathered. In Los Angeles, police said yesterday Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, had been charged with possession of a deadly weapon after being found carrying a collapsible baton through security at a California airport.

Hollywood joined the MTV party, with new James Bond actor Daniel Craig in town to present an award. When asked about his hopes for the eagerly-awaited ''Casino Royale'', which comes out in mid-November, he replied: ''Everything. We've got a fantastic movie and I'm excited about it.'' British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, also with a major new film to promote, appeared via video link as his controversial comic character, spoof Kazakh television presenter Borat.

Cohen has upset Kazakh officials with his portrayal of a reporter from the Central Asian country who gives the impression of a nation of drunks, racists and misogynists. Cohen was a hit when he presented the MTV Europe Awards last year in Lisbon and his appearance in 2006 was as risque as usual. Timberlake prevented Borat from telling several jokes about Jews, but Madonna was not spared. Referring to her controversial adoption of a young boy from Malawi, he said: ''My only concern is that this singing transvestite will not be such a good father.'' The winners of the main categories are voted for by MTV viewers around the world and, although called the Europe Awards, the ceremony was once again dominated by U S acts.