Germans Rock MTV

The quartet, which sprang out of the German city of Magdeburg, upstaged the likes of The Cure, Metallica and Foo Fighters to claim the prize.

Tokio Hotel shot to stardom after recording German-language album "Schrei" in 2005, which sold more than half a million copies.

The band then released its first English-language album, "Scream," in 2007 which went on to crack the Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, US and Canadian markets, propelling the band to an MTV Video Music Award in September this year.

Also to claim accolades on Thursday, Nov. 6, was Britney Spears, who received the Best Act of 2008 award and Album of the Year for "Blackout."

Kanye West won the Ultimate Urban gong, Pink took Most Addictive Track for "So What" and Katy Perry won Best New Act.

Presidential props

US President elect Barack Obama also received props at the event, with ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney thanking Americans for voting the Democrat into the White House.

"Many years ago, there were four little boys born here in Liverpool and we went on to do quite well," McCartney said. "Thanks to all my family, to all you for coming along, to everyone in Great Britain, to everyone in America for voting in Mr. Obama."

McCartney was at the event to receive the tailor-made Ultimate Legend Award from U2 frontman Bono, who labelled the former's work as "immortal."

Sir Paul was not alone in his recognition of Obama, with Sugababes taking the stage clad in red, white and blue and actor-singer Jared Leto urging the crowd to its feet to applaud Obama's victory.

"Let's hear it for Barack Obama," he said to cheering fans.

The awards were voted on by viewers of the MTV music video channel. An estimated 10,000 fans turned up on the night, with another 30 million believed to be watching around the globe.