The MTV Movie & TV Awards took a very different route with this year’s ceremony – celebrating iconic people, moments, and events in pop culture history from the 1980s until the present by awarding the prestigious title of Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in TV and film.
Hosted by Vanessa Hudgens, the 90-minute special also featured special guest stars Neve Campbell, Sofia Carson, Lily Collins, Derek Hough and more.
The evening was made even more memorable by the winners’ acceptance speeches. Don Cheadle and Robert Downey Jr. paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman who was honored posthumously with the Hero of the Ages Award.
“The second you first saw him on screen or had the opportunity to meet him in person, his energy and intensity was undeniable,” RDJ emotionally remembered the beloved actor in the pre-recorded tribute. “There was something different and special about Chadwick Boseman.”
“Each time he stepped on the set, he inspired and influenced everyone there and with every role he created a new legion of fans,” Don said. “He had an incredible power to unify people in their love for his work and their respect for him as a person. The way he lived his life united people behind a higher purpose and that will be his legacy.”
“His impact as a groundbreaking leading man, as an icon on screen, it won’t be quantified by the box office records he broke but by the legions of fans who will celebrate him, for many years to come,” Robert added.
“Chadwick will be forever known as the Black Panther but he also painted incredibly powerful portrayals of iconic and influential real men who change the world — James Brown, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall,” Don reflected. “He brought humanity and truth to people who felt larger-than-life, and he did it in a way that honored their memories.”
“He wasn’t just a hero on screen. His list of inspirational acts and deeds is too long to recount here,” RDJ concluded. “He was the most heroic when he was just being Chad. That’s when he was bigger than anyone he played on screen.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair re-enacted their iconic kiss in the 90s classic Cruel Intentions – but with a very 2020 twist. The steamy lip lock, which SMG joked is now the “single most awarded kiss in cinema history,” won Best Kiss at the 2000 MTV Movie Award.
“I think the reason the kiss has resonated with people for so long is not just for the initial shock value but because it was a catalyst for so many young people to help them realize certain aspects of their sexuality and help make people comfortable to be who they really are,” Selma shared.
“It also represented a paradigm shift to a new dynamic towards acceptance in pop culture. Also, it was super hot,” Sarah added.
“So as a special thanks,” Selma said, “we’d like to recreate it, right here, for you guys.”
Since there’s a pandemic going on and everything, well, everyone was taking extra precautions – including Selma and Sarah. The kiss re-enactment hit a roadblock – or, more accurately, was blocked by a clear sheet of plexiglass. They did try though, making for a hilariously awkward scene.
“Stay safe MTV,” SMG said, disappointed. “And 2020, end soon.”
Check out who have been hailed the GOATs in their category.
GOAT: Dance You’re A– Off
Kevin Bacon in Footloose.
GOAT: Comedy Giant
Kevin Hart.
GOAT: Dynamic Duo
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates and Blended.
GOAT: Scream Queen
Jamie Lee Curtis.
GOAT: Legendary Lip Lock
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair in Cruel Intentions.
GOAT: Heartbreaking Break-Up
Jason Segel and Kristen Bell in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
GOAT: She-Ro
Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman.
GOAT: Hero for the Ages
Chadwick Boseman for Black Panther.
GOAT: Zero to Hero
William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence — the villain of The Karate Kid and the complex protagonist of Cobra Kai.
