The presentation was held as a two-night event; comedian and actress Leslie Jones hosted the first night, which was dedicated to awards for film and scripted television.

[2] Comedian Nikki Glaser hosted the second night, MTV Movie & TV Awards: Unscripted, which were devoted to awards for reality television.

[3] The full list of nominees was announced on April 19, 2021.

The following movies received multiple nominations: The following television series received multiple nominations: MTV did not announce or hold a 2020 edition of the ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[9] MTV announced on March 11, 2021, that the ceremony would be scheduled for May 16 and 17, 2021, with the first night to focus on films and scripted television, and the second (titled MTV Movie & TV Awards: Unscripted) to focus on unscripted and reality television.