MTV has announced nominations for its 2006 Movie Awards. The show is pre-recorded and will air on Thursday, June 8th at 9pm Eastern and Pacific Time. The estimates are that it will be seen in 479.5 million households worldwide across 171 countries, being broadcast in 23 different languages.

One of the good parts of these awards is that some of the nominations give credit to roles that are otherwise disregarded by mainstream awards shows. Superhero and comic films are among the most popular. "Batman Begins" and "Sin City" are both up for Best Movie.
There are plenty of other reasons for fans from every cult of moviegoers to get excited.

Irish actor Cillian Murphy is nominated in the Best Villain category for his performance as Dr Jonathan Crane in 'Batman Begins'. Tobin Bell ('Saw II'), Hayden Christensen ('Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith'), Ralph Fiennes ('Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire') and Tilda Swinton ('The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe') are also shortlisted.

The nominees for Best Performance are: Steve Carell ('The 40-Year Old Virgin'), Jake Gyllenhaal ('Brokeback Mountain'), Terrence Howard ('Hustle & Flow'), Rachel McAdams ('Red Eye') and Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon (both for 'Walk the Line').

Other movies ' shortlisted for Best Movie are: The 40-Year-Old Virgin', 'Batman Begins', 'King Kong', 'Sin City' and 'The Wedding Crashers'.

'The Wedding Crashers' stars Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn are each nominated for Best Comedic Performance, along with Steve Carell ('The 40-Year-Old Virgin'), Tyler Perry ('Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion') and Adam Sandler ('The Longest Yard').

The nominees for Best Newcomer are: Andre '3000' Benjamin ('Four Brothers'), Jennifer Carpenter ('The Exorcism of Emily Rose'), Isla Fisher ('The Wedding Crashers'), Taraji P Henson ('Hustle & Flow'), Nelly ('The Longest Yard') and Romany Malco ('The 40-Year-Old Virgin').

Other categories at the MTV Movie Awards include Best On-Screen Team, Best Hero, Best Fight, Best Kiss and Sexiest Performance.