Charlize Theron arrives at the MTV Movie Awards at Warner Bros. Studios on Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Burbank, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
BURBANK, California — Will Smith told fans at the MTV Movie Awards that he is “dedicated to being a light in this world.”
The 47-year-old entertainer accepted the show’s highest honor, the Generation Award, during Saturday’s ceremony at Warner Bros. Studios.
“I want to help people. I want to be a light. I want to display love. I want to play roles that have dignity,” he said as he accepted the award from Queen Latifah and Halle Berry. “I want to help in this world.”
Smith’s heartfelt acceptance was a respite of sincerity amid an expletive-laden show that featured more F-bombs than awards.
Hosts Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart opened the program “Mad Max” style by riding through Warner Bros. strapped to the front of a tricked-out truck. Later, they performed a rap song about the year’s films that repeated the refrain “Leo got (expletive) by a bear” in reference to “The Revenant.”
Ariana Grande and Halsey provided the evening’s other musical performances.
Charlize Theron won the first award of the night: best female performance for “Mad Max: Fury Road.” She thanked the film’s director, her son, Jackson, and daughter, August.
READ: Charlize Theron is newly minted action queen
“The story of ‘Fury Road’ is in part a story of the power of women and the power to create our own destinies,” Theron said before accepting the award in her daughter’s name.
Daisy Ridley received the breakthrough performance prize for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
“It feels especially amazing to be part of a film that reps all genders… races and ages in such a positive and aspirational way,” she said.
Chris Pratt won the action performance award for “Jurassic World.” Amy Poehler was recognized for her “virtual performance” as Joy in “Inside Out.” ”Straight Outta Compton” won the true story category. Ryan Reynolds won for his comedic performance in “Deadpool,” which he said “was not all unicorns and cocaine” during production.
The MTV Movie Awards serves as a marketing platform for summer movies. Most presenters were principals from upcoming film. Theron took the stage with Jessica Chastain and Chris Hemsworth, her co-stars from “The Huntsman: Winter’s War.” Anna Kendrick presented with Zac Efron and Adam Devine — the three star in “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.”
The program also included never-before-seen footage from “Suicide Squad” and “Captain America: Civil War.” Other stars appearing during the show included Seth Rogen, Kendrick Lamar, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid.