It is going to be a night to remember as the 2007 MTV Movie Awards, airing live for the first time ever, take over Hollywood's Gibson Amphitheater on Sunday, June 3. In many ways this show has more cultural relevance than the Academy Awards. First of all, the MTV Movie Awards aren't nearly as pretentious as what the Academy offers up. Filled with a laid back vibe, good cheer, star wattage and everything else under the sun, the show is that perfect hybrid that makes people from all demographics want to get in on the action. Also, the movies that MTV is toasting are actually movies that made money. I hate to put it in such blunt terms, as lord knows I do like the Academy Awards, but its nice to see the people who drive the box office have their say once in awhile.
It is going to be a an interesting night to be sure as the films and their nominations break down as follows:
- 300: 5 Nominations
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - 4 Nominations
- Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan - 3 Nominations
- Blades of Glory - 3 Nominations
- The Devil Wears Prada - 3 Nominations
It doesn't look like you have to work in Scotland Yard to figure out which film the youth market liked the most this year. I think its interesting that 300 leads the pack over Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Both of these films are CGI extravaganzas, yet it seems like 300 (having been in and out of theaters only recently) might still be resonating with viewers. Also, despite what many people think, Borat isn't filled with the same kind of humor as Blades of Glory. In poking fun at the absurdity of racism by acting absurdly racist, the fact that Borat has had such longevity shouldn't go unnoticed. This isn't to say that Blades of Glory is riddled with stupid comedy and site gags, but lets be honest, when all is said and done, in 20 years more people are going to talk about Borat as opposed to Blades of Glory. The certifiable wild card in this whole mix is The Devil Wears Prada. This film either represents the female vote in spades, or guys simply enjoyed seeing Anne Hathaway in so many different outfits. Whatever the reason, this movie managed to touch a chord of over $120 million dollars!
Whether MTV is creating the curve, behind the curve, or catching up with the curve they seem to be successful at making the MTV Movie Awards as fluid an event as possible. Mixing elements of the aforementioned Academy Awards with parts of the Teen Choice awards, this show is nothing if not highly eclectic. This year MTV has employed "its first-ever user generated category", titled "BEST MOVIE SPOOF." Here, wanna be Zack Snyders can upload their own short films that lampoon the biggest movies of the previous year. The winners are announced during the show. Also, MTV has spearheaded a category called "BEST SUMMER MOVIE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN YET." Fans all over the world will get a glimpse at some of the most anticipated movies scheduled for release in the near future. Returning is mtvU's "BEST FILMMAKER ON CAMPUS" award, which gives "the winner national exposure at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards and a $25,000 development deal with MTV Films."
It is this "give the people what they want" attitude that has made MTV such a force to be reckoned with. I recall when all they did was play music videos. Now, it doesn't seem like they do that at all (at least not on their main station). However, what MTV has become is not just the voice of a generation but the voice of generations. Whatever is hip, hot, happening and now, that's where MTV is. At the same time, they still find a way to stay one step ahead of their audience and as such they give everybody what they want.
The 16th Annual 2007 MTV Movie Awards will be broadcast from the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City, CA on Sunday, June 3rd at 8pm/7c.