CULTURE

MTV GIVES VIEWERS THE POWER OF THE POPCORN! FANS WILL DECIDE THE NOMINEES FOR THE “2010 MTV MOVIE AWARDS”

FANS WILL DECIDE THE NOMINEES FOR THE “2010 MTV MOVIE AWARDS” Voting In 13 Returning and Brand-New Categories

at 12p.m. ET/9a.m. PT at MovieAwards.MTV.com

“2010 MTV Movie Awards” To Air LIVE Sunday, June 6th at 9p.m ET/8p.m. C From the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA

NEW YORK, NY (March 29, 2010) – MTV today announced it will give its viewers the power of the popcorn and allow them to decide the nominees for the “2010 MTV Movie Awards.” Starting today, March 29th at 12p.m. ET/9a.m. PT through Friday, April 9th at 6p.m. ET, fans can log onto MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote in 13 categories for their favorite films, superstars and movie moments to be included in the final list of nominees during the May 11th – June 5th winner voting period. Continuing its tradition for being one of the most shocking and atypical awards shows on television, this year’s show will feature three all-new and outrageous categories that include “BEST ASS-KICKING STAR”,  “BEST SCARED-AS S**T PERFORMANCE” and “GLOBAL SUPERSTAR.” For the first time EVER in “Movie Awards” history, voting will go international as fans worldwide will be able to vote for their favorite global stars in the “GLOBAL SUPERSTAR” category by visiting their local MTV websites. After the votes are tallied, MTV fans around the world can tune-in to watch the action unfold and see if their favorite global superstar makes the mark, as the “2010 MTV Movie Awards” will air on MTV channels around the world in 161 countries. The 19th annual “2010 MTV Movie Awards” will air LIVE on Sunday, June 6th at 9p.m. ET/8p.m. C from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California.

“Handing over the voting to our devoted movie fans is sure to generate a passionate debate over this year’s epic films. And this year, fans worldwide will get to participate in the process,” said Stephen Friedman, General Manager of MTV. “After driving major ticket sales, our audience will now drive voting for their favorite movies.”

This year, it’s anyone’s and any film’s game as the MTV fans hold the destiny of the golden popcorn awards in their hands. In this year’s all-new categories, could “BEST ASS-KICKING STAR” nominations go to Hugh Jackman or Channing Tatum while in “BEST SCARED-AS S**T PERFORMANCE,” Allison Lohman for “Drag Me to Hell” and Katie Featherson for “Paranormal Activity” get voted in? In “GLOBAL SUPERSTAR,” could current film co-stars Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp end-up facing off for the title?

In returning categories like “BEST MOVIE,” will the blockbusters “Avatar” and “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” be fan-favorites while 2009 “BEST KISS” winners Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson receive their second nomination? So much fun for viewers last year we had to bring it back, in “BEST WTF MOMENT,” will the scene when the naked guy jumps out of the trunk from “The Hangover” be up for a popcorn statue? These questions can only be answered by the MTV viewers as they vote to create this year’s list of final nominees.

Categories for the “2010 MTV Movie Awards” are:

BEST MOVIE (voting stays live throughout the “2010 MTV Movie Awards” ceremony)

BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE

BEST VILLAIN

BEST KISS

BEST FIGHT

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE

BEST FEMALE BREAKOUT STAR

BEST MALE BREAKOUT STAR

BEST WTF MOMENT

*GLOBAL SUPERSTAR (New Category)

*BEST ASS-KICKING STAR (New Category)

*BEST SCARED-ASSH**T PERFORMANCE (New Category)

The final nominees for the “2010 MTV Movie Awards” in 13 returning and all-new categories will be decided on by the fans. From March 29th – April 9th, viewers can visit MovieAwards.MTV.com (www.MovieAwards.MTV.com) to vote their favorite films, movie moments and actors into the final list of nominees. Then, the winner voting period commences from May 11th – June 5th. Starbucks Coffee Company joins the “MTV Movie Awards” for the first time as this year’s voting partner which includes the category of “BEST MOVIE.” This one, special category will remain an ongoing battle as voting for favorite film of the year will remain open throughout the LIVE show. MovieAwards.MTV.com is the official site for the “MTV Movie Awards” where fans can visit to vote and then stay to get up-to-date info on this year’s show; watch video of last year’s biggest occurrences; get the full list of 2009 show winners; and check out fashion and celebrity commentary from the golden carpet.

The 2010 “MTV Movie Awards” will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.2 billion people via MTV’s global network of 65 channels reaching 641 million households around the world as well as through syndication. In addition, its convergent programming and content will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV’s more than 200 digital media properties around the world.

Mark Burnett serves as Executive Producer for the “2010 MTV Movie Awards.” Audrey Morrissey is Executive Producer. Lee Rolontz is Executive Producer for MTV, Garrett English is Executive In Charge for MTV and Jane Mun serves as Supervising Producer. For MTV, Wendy Plaut is the Celebrity Talent Executive and Amy Doyle and Joanna Bomberg serve as the Executives In Charge of Music and Talent.

Official sponsors of the “2010 MTV Movie Awards” include Kia Motors, Orbit® gum, Starbucks Coffee Company and Taco Bell®. Orbit is a registered trademark of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.