Damon Albarn made his point

American rock band Limp Bizkit also picked up two awards, for best group and best album, and a third technical award for their website.

Two of the biggest winners, Robbie Williams and Jennifer Lopez, failed to attend to collect their prizes.

'Bombing'

Albarn made a plea against the US bombing of Afghanistan as he picked up the award for best dance.

Craig David had four nominations

He said: "See this symbol, it's the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Bombing one of the poorest countries in the world is wrong.

"You've got the voice, use it."

Robbie Williams, who won best male singer, sent a video message, as did best female winner Lopez, who like many Americans, stayed away from the awards.

The British singer, who last year won the best song award, thanked MTV, in a message from a tour in Australia.

The awards, beamed to an expected TV audience of about one billion people, were hosted by British comedian Ali G.

'Excited'

Lopez had been expected to attend the event but after the 11 September attacks on the United States she, like other American musicians including Janet Jackson, elected to stay home.

"I'm so excited," Lopez said in a video acceptance speech from her living room.

Ali G hosted the event

"Thank you so much for your support. I wish I could have been there."

The awards proved to be a good night for British artists, who had been overshadowed by US performers at last year's event.

The best R&B award went to Craig David, who also won best UK and Ireland act.

Gorillaz won best dance, beating off rivals Basement Jaxx, Daft Punk, Faithless and Roger Sanchez.

Dido won best new act, beating Craig David and Gorillaz among others.

The awards also included performances from Kylie Minogue, U2, REM., Depeche Mode, Dido, and Atomic Kitten.

Academy

Australian dance outfit The Avalanches won for best video, beating Fatboy Slim and Gorillaz among others, while Eminem, won the best rap artist prize.

Lopez failed to show at the event

American singer Anastacia won best pop, beating a strong field which included Britney Spears and Atomic Kitten.

The winners were picked by an 800-member "voting academy" consisting of key record executives in the music industry and MTV viewers from across Europe.