Mad Max star Charlize Theron hails 'true Furiosas' at MTV Movie Awards

Charlize Theron received the first honour at the MTV Movie Awards as she was won best female performance for her role in Mad Max: Fury Road.

The Oscar-winning actress, who played Imperator Furiosa in the film, paid tribute to director George Miller as she collected her golden popcorn statue on stage at Warner Bros Studios in Los Angeles.

"I am so honoured and so humbled to work with such an epic visionary," she said.

"I want to thank my beautiful son Jackson, who put a smile on my face every day he was with me while I made this film.

"The story of Fury Road is in part a story about the power of women and the power to create our own destinies.

"I accept this award on behalf of my own little Furiosa, my daughter August, and on behalf of all the Furiosas out there - you are the true warriors."

Amy Poehler won best virtual performance for her role as Joy in the Pixar film Inside Out, which tells the story of a young girl's five emotions: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust.

"It was truly a Joy to play Joy," she said, after collecting her award.

Comedian Kevin Hart and wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson are hosting this year's event, which honours blockbusters over typical award show favourites.