Avengers advise fans to ‘dream big, work hard’ at MTV Movie Awards
(From left) Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner and Chris Evans present their Avengers' co-star Robert Downey Jr with the generation awardIron Man star Robert Downey Jr gave a passionate acceptance speech about failing and succeeding in the film industry at Sunday’s MTV Movie Awards, while winners Shailene Woodley and Jennifer Lopez also delivered inspiring words.
Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner, the star cast of the next Marvel movie, Avengers: Age of Ultron, which opens on April 23 in Hong Kong, handed their co-star Downey the MTV Generation Award, playfully kneeling at his feet as he gave his speech.
“I’ve grown up, struggled, failed, succeeded, partied way too much, repented, begged for second chances and literally clawed my way to the top,” the 50-year-old actor said.
“With my fellow Avengers, I advise you to dream big, work hard, keep your noses clean, be of service, and because you can, define your generation.”
An exclusive clip from the upcoming film was also shown, featuring Downey’s character Iron Man and Ruffalo as The Hulk.
Woodley, 23, won best female performance for her role as a cancer-stricken teenager in last summer’s teen romance The Fault in Our Stars, dedicating her accolade to author John Green, who penned the novel.
“It changed my life when I read it and dramatically influenced who I am today, and his words will transcend time,” Woodley said as Green shed tears in the audience.
A clip for Paper Towns, the latest John Green novel to be adapted, was screened on the night.
Woodley also received the night’s Trailblazer Award, which rewards individuals carving a unique and inspirational path in movies, from her Divergent co-star Miles Teller, who praised the actress for being “an incredible force of nature”.
The actress urged people to surround themselves with a community, as “we can’t be ourselves without people to reflect back to us who we really are”.
Jennifer Lopez managed to turn her win for her role in the low-budget horror Boy Next Door in the best scared-as-s**t performance category into an inspirational message, saying: “Banking on yourself can be scary, but it can be rewarding.”
The MTV Movie Awards is known for its more unconventional award categories voted for by fans, such as Best Kiss, which Woodley and her Fault in Our Stars co-star Ansel Elgort won.
“If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to kiss your brother, it’s kind of great,” Woodley joked about Elgort, who also plays her brother in the Divergent film franchise.
The ceremony also ushers in summer blockbuster season. In addition to the clips from Paper Towns and Avengers: Age of Ultron, a new teaser for Pitch Perfect 2 was unveiled: