The MTV Europe Music Awards is one of the music world's most glitzy bashes and was held in Berlin to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a potent Cold War symbol. A highlight was a live show by U2, who scooped Best Live Act, scoring their third EMA award win since the MTV Europe Music Awards began in 1994. They performed One - the anthem inspired by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 - just yards away from the ceremony at the Brandenburg Gate.

Eminem won the Best Male category, beating Robbie Williams and Mika among others, Pixie Lott was pronounced the first ever MTV Push Artist. Lady GaGa, who was not at the ceremony, was named Best New Act, beating La Roux and Daniel Merriweather. Lady GaGa and Kings of Leon had led the nominations, with five apiece. Kings of Leon failed to pick up any awards. Other winners included Tokio Hotel, Jay Z and Eminem.