MTV Awards bring out the positive
LOS ANGELES — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson didn’t make a household name for himself by conforming to someone else’s idea of who he should be, an approach he encouraged others to take while accepting a top honor at the MTV Movie & TV Awards.
The actor, producer and former pro wrestler said embracing himself allowed him to carve his own space in the entertainment industry and become one of its biggest stars. He accepted MTV’s generation award with fanfare — running down the stage amidst a blend of hip-hop and Samoan dancers with screens reading “The Rock” in flaming letters behind him — during the show, which aired Monday night.
“The most powerful thing we can be is ourselves,” he said.
Johnson, 47, wasn’t the only one to use his platform during the show for empowerment.
Brie Larson, who won the best fight award for her battle against Minn-Erva (Gemma Chan) in “Captain Marvel,” brought her stunt doubles, Joanna Bennett and Renae Moneymaker, on stage to recognize them for their work.
“They are the living embodiment of Captain Marvel,” Larson said as she stepped aside to let the women give speeches in which they thanked the actress for the rare acknowledgment on an awards show stage.
Jada Pinkett Smith accepted the trailblazer award, presented to her by “Girls Trip” co-star Tiffany Haddish, and assured attendees that each of them are trailblazing by leading the way and fighting for others.
Women took home several of the night’s biggest awards, including best performance in a show (Elisabeth Moss, “The Handmaid’s Tale”) and in a movie (Lady Gaga, “A Star is Born”). The show features gender-neutral categories.