Jamie Foxx will host the eighteenth annual “MTV Video Music Awards,” it was announced today by Van Toffler, President, MTV and MTV2. The “2001 MTV Video Music Awards” will broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center in New York City on Thursday, September 6th at 8:00PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT).
“Jamie Foxx first caught our attention as a host for the Video Music Awards with his comedic talents at MTVicon: Janet Jackson, in which he performed a comedic tribute to the singer,” says Van Toffler, President, MTV and MTV2. “Having already established himself as an actor and comedian, he will no doubt add to the creativity and unpredictability that makes the Video Music Awards stand out.”
Jamie Foxx can boast of starring in his own successful sitcom, playing a leading man on the big screen and selling out venues with his current stand-up comedy tour. Foxx recently completed production for the Columbia feature “Ali” opposite Will Smith, set for a December 7th release. Directed by Michael Mann, Foxx portrays Drew “Bundini” Brown, Ali’s corner man and inspiration whose urgings of “Young Man Rumble” spurred Ali to greatness. Foxx’s film credits include “Any Given Sunday,” “Bait,” “Booty Call” and “The Truth About Cats and Dogs.”
Foxx just completed the fifth and final season of the WB Network’s “The Jamie Foxx Show.” Foxx was no stranger to television audiences before launching his own series, as a star on the wildly popular “In Living Color.” Foxx has also found success in the recording world. His first album, 1994’s “Peep This,” hit #12 on Billboard’s R&B charts. In addition, Foxx wrote, produced and performed two songs featured on the “Any Given Sunday” soundtrack.
It was previously announced that *NSYNC, U2, Missy Elliott and Alicia Keys will be performing. Fatboy Slim tops the list with nine nominations for his video “Weapon of Choice,” which is directed by Spike Jonze and features actor Christopher Walken dancing. Other top nominees tied with six nominations each are Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya & Pink featuring Missy Elliott (Moulin Rouge) for their music video “Lady Marmalade,” Missy Elliott for “Get Ur Freak On,” and *NSYNC for “Pop.” Tied with five nominations are Eminem featuring Dido for his music video “Stan,” U2 for their music videos “Beautiful Day” and “Elevation Remix,” and Destiny’s Child for their music videos “Survivor” and “Independent Women Part 1.” Janet Jackson garnered four nominations for “All for You.”
The “2001 MTV Video Music Awards” will be executive produced by Dave Sirulnick and Salli Frattini. Alex Coletti is the producer. Beth McCarthy is the director.
Sponsors of the “2001 MTV Video Music Awards” are 1-800-Call-ATT for Collect Calls, Levi’s Jeans, Nike, Pepsi, Sony Walkman(TM) Portable Audio, Taco Bell, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and Wrigley’s Winterfresh.