Despite its billing an outrageous event, the show seemed more tame than in previous years with little foul language or onstage antics. Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and Joe Manganiello did some spicing up with a near strip tease. The trio stars in an upcoming film, "Magic Mike," about male strippers.

Notable moments came from "Batman" star Christian Bale, who gave an emotional introduction to an exclusive trailer for the upcoming film, "The Dark Knight Rises," after footage of the late Heath Ledger as the Joker character was shown from the second installment of the Christopher Nolan "Batman" franchise.

Music, the foundation of MTV, played a key role throughout the show with first-ever house DJ, Martin Solveig, providing movie score mash-ups from "Jaws," "Pulp Fiction" and "Drive" between awards.

Rapper Wiz Khalifa performed new song "Work Hard, Play Hard" and indie band fun. sang their hit single "We Are Young" with Janelle Monae to open the program.