``The 1999 MTV Movie Awards'' telecast Thurs., June 10 earned a 6.4 rating from 9 to 11 p.m.

This is a 64 percent increase over last year's show and represents approximately 4.6 million viewing households. This marks the highest rating ever for ``The MTV Movie Awards.''

Among MTV's target 12-34 year old audience, ``The 1999 MTV Movie Awards'' captured a 7.0 rating/23 share with nearly one out of every four 12-34 year old cable television viewers nationwide tuned in during the 9 to 11 p.m. telecast.

``The MTV Movie Awards,'' which has been hailed for its clever parodies of blockbuster films, featured several of the show's signature short films. Highlights included a hilarious ``Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace'' parody as well as 'N SYNC and show host, Lisa Kudrow, reenacting the now-infamous animal cracker scene from ``Armageddon.'' In addition, other short films featured Lisa Kudrow matching wits with Austin Powers' Dr. Evil with a cameo appearance by Billy Crystal. In a MOVIE AWARDS first, the show also included a film which ran throughout the show spoofing teen flicks including classics like ``Ferris Bueller's Day Off,'' ``The Breakfast Club,'' ``She's All That,'' and ``Cruel Intentions.'' Talent in that film included Alyson Hannigan, Seth Green, and others.

The show's presenters included a stellar line-up of celebrities included a stellar line-up of celebrities including Ben Affleck, Whitney Houston, Hugh Grant, Tobey Maguire, Kate Hudson, Taye Diggs, Dylan McDermott, Mike Myers, Keanu Reeves, Ricky Martin, Heather Graham, Jennifer Lopez, Brendan Fraser, Samuel L. Jackson, Keri Russell, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rose McGowan, Jay-Z, Salma Hayek, Jon Stewart, Jake Lloyd, Omar Epps, Janeane Garofalo and James Van Der Beek.

MTV's Hollywood night also included show-stopping musical performances from some of today's biggest artists. Movie and music superstar Will Smith opened the show performing a crowd-pleasing rendition of ``Wild Wild West'' featuring Dru Hill, Kool Mo Dee and 28 dancers with surprise guest Stevie Wonder. Kid Rock took to the stage next and brought the audience to their feet with a rousing performance of ``Bawitdaba.'' The last music performer of the evening was world-wide chart-topper Robbie Williams. His James Bond-themed performance of ``Millennium'' capped off a great night of music.

For the first time, MTV Online streamed one of the music performances live over the internet during the show. Online users could check out www.mtv.com to get a sneak peek at the 1999 MTV MOVIE AWARDS.

The MTV MOVIE AWARDS offers an alternative to traditional movie awards ceremonies. Unlike other shows, the program includes unconventional categories including Best On-Screen Duo, Best Villain, Best Kiss, Best Action Sequence and more.

Winners of the 1999 MTV MOVIE AWARDS were chosen through a national poll of MTV viewers, an audience that represents the largest demographic group of today's moviegoers. Beginning in April of 1999, MTV viewers could cast their votes through a special phone number, via MTV Online and at any participating Blockbuster Video.

Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions produced the eighth annual MTV MOVIE AWARDS in association with MTV. Salli Frattini was executive producer and Bruce Gowers was director. Gallen also directed the short films featured in the telecast.

The official sponsors of the 1999 MTV MOVIE AWARDS are 7UP, Blockbuster, Cosmair, Gap, Hyundai, Nike, SMINT, Visa and Wendy's.