Hunger Games scoops four MTV movie awards

The Hunger Games has emerged as one of the big winners at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles.

The dystopian survival saga emerged from the 21st annual extravaganza with the most golden popcorn-shaped trophies, including best fight for the film's final three-way battle, and best on-screen transformation for Elizabeth Banks' over-the-top futuristic makeover.

Hunger Games stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson were also honoured for best female and male performances.

"I've wanted to hold a golden popcorn since I was four years old," beamed Hutcherson.

With four wins out of eight nominations, Hunger Games did not totally decimate the competition. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 won prizes for best cast and best hero, while The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 won for movie of the year.

Twilight stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson locked the best kiss trophy for the fourth straight year - although Stewart had to pick up the award on her own, with Pattinson absent.

Bridesmaids took two awards. The cast of the naughty comedy won best gut-wrenching performance for the scene in which the ladies battled food poisoning, while Melissa McCarthy won the best comedic performance award.

The live, fan-favourite ceremony was hosted by UK actor-comedian Russell Brand. In a typically bawdy performance, Brand opened the show by poking fun at Michael Fassbender's full-frontal nudity in Shame. He also ridiculed Kim Kardashian's short-lived marriage - which he acknowledged was hypocritical. Brand filed for divorce last year from pop star Katy Perry after just 14 months of marriage.

"Tonight, I'm gonna keep my eyes peeled for my next wife," joked Brand. "Fasssssbender!"

In lieu of a wordy acceptance speech for his MTV Generation Award, actor Johnny Depp performed with The Black Keys. Aerosmith stars Steven Tyler and Joe Perry presented the award to the 48-year-old Pirates of the Caribbean star, who accompanied The Black Keys on guitar for Gold on the Ceiling and Lonely Boy.

"It's like the get-out-of-the-business award," said Depp.

Other winners included Shailene Woodley for breakthrough performance for The Descendants, Jennifer Aniston as best on-screen dirtbag for Horrible Bosses and LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" from 21 Jump Street for best music.