What Is 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards

Overview

The 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards celebrated the most popular films and television series of the year, as determined by fan voting. Held on June 17, 2019, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, the event highlighted performances, moments, and breakout stars from the previous year.

Unlike traditional awards shows, the MTV ceremony emphasizes fan engagement and pop culture relevance over critical acclaim. The 2019 edition introduced gender-neutral categories, marking a shift toward inclusivity in recognizing acting talent.

• June 17, 2019 was the official air date, broadcast live on MTV from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
• "Us" by Jordan Peele won Best Movie, triumphing over major blockbusters like "Avengers: Endgame" and "A Star Is Born".
• "Game of Thrones" claimed the Best Show award during its final season, cementing its cultural dominance.
• Tiffany Haddish hosted the ceremony, bringing her signature humor and energy to the stage.
• The show introduced gender-neutral acting categories, eliminating divisions between 'Best Actor' and 'Best Actress'.

How It Works

The awards are unique in their fan-driven selection process and pop culture focus, distinguishing them from industry-judged ceremonies like the Oscars or Emmys. Voting is conducted online, allowing global audiences to influence outcomes.

• Fan Voting: Winners are determined entirely by public votes cast via MTV's website and app, making it one of the most democratic award shows.
• Gender-Neutral Categories: In 2019, MTV eliminated gender distinctions in performance awards, introducing Best Performance in a Movie and Best Performance in a Show.
• Eligibility Period: Films and TV shows released or aired between January 1, 2018, and May 15, 2019 were eligible for nomination.
• Nominations Process: A panel of MTV executives selects nominees based on cultural impact, buzz, and popularity, followed by open fan voting.
• Categories: Includes traditional awards like Best Movie and Best Show, plus playful ones like Best Kiss and Best On-Screen Team.
• Production Team: The event was produced by Den of Thieves, a production company known for high-energy, youth-focused award shows.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of major categories and winners between the 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards and other major award shows highlights key differences in selection criteria and tone.

The table illustrates how the MTV Awards prioritize fan-favorite moments and performances over critical acclaim. While the Oscars and Emmys focus on artistic achievement, MTV celebrates viral moments, chemistry, and cultural resonance, often honoring ensemble casts and genre films overlooked elsewhere.

Why It Matters

The 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards signaled a cultural shift in how audiences engage with entertainment, emphasizing inclusivity, fan power, and genre diversity. By eliminating gendered categories and spotlighting horror and superhero films, the show reflected evolving viewer values.

• Gender-Neutral Recognition: The removal of gender-based acting awards set a precedent for inclusivity, influencing other award shows to reconsider categorization.
• Horror Gains Legitimacy:"Us" winning Best Movie highlighted the rising prestige of horror in mainstream awards discourse.
• Streaming Visibility: Netflix's "The Kissing Booth" received multiple nominations, showcasing streaming platforms' growing influence.
• Youth Culture Barometer: The awards reflect what resonates with younger audiences, making it a key indicator of pop culture trends.
• Global Fan Engagement: Over 10 million votes were cast worldwide, demonstrating the event's international reach.
• Memorable Moments: Performances by Halsey and Jonas Brothers boosted viewership and social media engagement.

Ultimately, the 2019 ceremony reinforced MTV's role as a barometer of youth-driven entertainment, blending humor, fandom, and cultural commentary in a format distinct from traditional award shows.