2004 Teen Choice Awards
The 2004 Teen Choice Awards was the sixth annual ceremony of the Teen Choice Awards, an event recognizing achievements in film, television, music, sports, and fashion based on votes from teenagers aged 13 to 19, held on August 8, 2004, at the Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, and hosted by Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.[1][2] The ceremony, broadcast on Fox on August 11, 2004, featured musical performances by Blink-182, Ashlee Simpson, Lenny Kravitz, and JoJo, and highlighted emerging teen idols and popular media of the year.[1] Lindsay Lohan dominated the film categories, winning four awards including Choice Movie Actress – Comedy for Mean Girls, Choice Movie Hissy Fit, Choice Movie Blush, and Choice Movie Breakout Star – Female.[1] Other major winners included The O.C. for Choice TV Show – Drama/Action Adventure and Choice TV Breakout Show, Usher for Choice R&B Artist and Choice R&B Track for "Yeah!" featuring Ludacris and Lil Jon, and Britney Spears for Choice Single with "Toxic."[1] Special honors were bestowed upon figures like Mike Myers, who received the Ultimate Choice Award for his comedic contributions, surfer Bethany Hamilton for the Courage Award following her shark attack survival, and athletes Tony Hawk and Mia Hamm as Male and Female Athletes of the Year, respectively.[1] The event underscored the influence of teen culture in early 2000s entertainment, with additional nods to comedies like Shrek 2 as Choice Movie – Comedy and reality shows such as Punk'd for Choice TV – Reality/Variety.[1]Overview
Background
The Teen Choice Awards originated as an annual event launched by the Fox Broadcasting Company in 1999, designed to honor the top achievements in entertainment as selected by teenagers aged 13 to 19.[3] The inaugural ceremony celebrated standout performers and trends in film, television, music, sports, and fashion, reflecting Fox's aim to engage a key demographic through youth-driven recognition.[4] The awards' distinctive voting process relies on input from teens aged 13 to 19, conducted primarily online through partner platforms such as the Teen People magazine website, where participants submit choices across multiple categories during designated periods.[2] For the 2004 ceremony, voting was open until August 5.[2] This format empowers young voters to influence outcomes, fostering a sense of ownership over the results and distinguishing the event from adult-oriented awards shows. From its debut through 2003, the Teen Choice Awards experienced steady growth in popularity, evolving from a niche special into a high-profile staple that drew major Hollywood talent seeking to connect with teen fans.[5] By the mid-2000s, it had solidified as a key platform for emerging stars and established icons alike. In 2004, the awards captured the essence of teen pop culture, mirroring interests in comedy films like Mean Girls and Shrek 2, drama series such as The O.C., reality television formats like Survivor, and pop/R&B music by artists including Britney Spears and Usher.[6][1] This alignment underscored the event's role in highlighting media that resonated with adolescent audiences amid a shifting entertainment landscape.Date, Location, and Hosts
The 2004 Teen Choice Awards ceremony took place on August 8, 2004.[6] The event was held at the Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, a prominent indoor venue with a capacity of approximately 6,300 seats that had hosted numerous high-profile concerts and live events since its opening in 1972.[7][6] The ceremony aired live on the Fox network, drawing a strong teen audience and achieving a 2.6 household rating among adults 18-49, tying Fox with NBC for the evening.[8] Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, stars of Fox's hit reality series The Simple Life, served as the hosts, leveraging their playful, banter-filled duo dynamic from the show to engage the young crowd.[9][10] Selected for their massive popularity among teens during the summer of 2004, the pair delivered lighthearted interactions and signature humor throughout the evening, including comedic asides that mirrored their on-screen chemistry.[9]Ceremony
Performers
The 2004 Teen Choice Awards featured a lineup of musical performers designed to engage a teenage audience with a mix of established rock acts and emerging pop talents. The event, held on August 8 at the Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, included performances by Blink-182, JoJo, Lenny Kravitz, and Ashlee Simpson, each contributing to the ceremony's high-energy entertainment.[11] Blink-182 delivered a pop-punk performance of their single "Down" from their 2003 self-titled album, that showcased the band's humorous antics and fast-paced stage presence, thrilling the crowd of young fans.[12] This set aligned with teen interests in rebellious, upbeat rock music, reinforcing Blink-182's popularity among the demographic.[6] JoJo, then just 13 years old, made her major television debut with a performance of "Leave (Get Out)," the lead single from her self-titled debut album released earlier that year.[13] The R&B-infused track, delivered with confident vocals, captivated the audience and exemplified the awards' emphasis on promoting fresh, relatable voices in music for teens.[14] A video clip of this performance resurfaced on X in 2025, garnering over 27,000 likes and becoming a nostalgic viral highlight.[15] Lenny Kravitz brought rock intensity to the stage with his performance of "Where Are We Runnin'?," the lead single from his 2004 album Baptism.[10] His dynamic guitar-driven set provided a contrast to the pop-heavy lineup, appealing to fans of classic rock influences within contemporary teen culture.[16] Ashlee Simpson performed "Pieces of Me," the debut single from her album Autobiography, in a pop-rock style that highlighted her edgy persona and live energy.[17] The appearance boosted the song's visibility and contributed to the album's commercial success, further solidifying Simpson's rise as a teen idol.[18] Overall, these performances balanced veteran artists with newcomers like JoJo and Simpson, fostering excitement and discovery among viewers while tying into the ceremony's theme of celebrating youth-driven pop culture.[11]Presenters
The 2004 Teen Choice Awards ceremony featured a diverse array of presenters selected for their strong appeal to teenage viewers, often linked to their roles in popular films, television series, or music that aligned with the event's nominated categories. Celebrities were paired strategically to enhance entertainment value, incorporating humor, star power, and thematic ties to teen culture, such as modeling shows or superhero dramas. This approach ensured smooth transitions between award segments while maintaining high energy through ad-libs and light-hearted interactions with the hosts.[19] Notable solo and paired presenters included singer Janet Jackson, who delivered the special Courage Award to professional surfer Bethany Hamilton, highlighting themes of resilience in a poignant moment.[20] Model and television personality Tyra Banks, fresh from hosting the first season of America's Next Top Model, presented an award, capitalizing on her influence in fashion and empowerment narratives popular among young audiences.[19] Comedian Andy Dick brought his signature irreverent style to the stage, contributing to comedic transitions with improvised bits that poked fun at celebrity culture.[19] Similarly, Sharon Osbourne, known from the reality series The Osbournes, presented with a mix of wit and maternal charm, appealing to fans of family-oriented TV.[19] Several awards were handed out by ensemble groups for added dynamism. Actress Jessica Alba, star of the action series Dark Angel and films like Honey, teamed up with brothers Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans—comedians from the Scary Movie franchise—to present the Choice Date Movie award, featuring playful banter that riffed on romantic comedies. In another teen-favorite pairing, Smallville actors Tom Welling (Clark Kent) and Kristin Kreuk (Lana Lang) presented the Choice TV Reality Show award, directly connecting to their show's supernatural drama that dominated youth viewing at the time.[21] Musician Nick Lachey, riding high from his solo career post-98 Degrees, joined actress Anne Hathaway—known for The Princess Diaries and wearing a loose "Fed Up" graphic tee—to present, blending pop music and coming-of-age film vibes in a segment filled with enthusiastic crowd interactions.[22][23] These presenters not only announced winners but also engaged in brief skits and shout-outs, such as Andy Dick's off-the-cuff jokes during category intros, which helped bridge musical performances and maintain the show's fast-paced, youth-oriented flow alongside hosts Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.[19] The selection emphasized rising stars and established names with broad teen followings, ensuring the event resonated with its core demographic of 13- to 19-year-olds voting via Teen People magazine and online polls.[6]Awards
Special Awards
The 2004 Teen Choice Awards featured several special awards that honored individuals for their inspirational stories, lifetime achievements, and emerging talent, distinguishing them from the competitive categories by focusing on non-voted, honorary recognitions selected by the ceremony's organizers to highlight broader cultural impact and resilience. These awards emphasized motivation and legacy over fan-voted wins in specific media fields, aiming to inspire the teenage audience with examples of perseverance and innovation.[6] The Ultimate Choice Award was presented to Mike Myers in recognition of his overall contributions to comedy and entertainment, particularly through iconic roles in films like Austin Powers and Shrek. Myers accepted the award onstage, joined by Verne Troyer, who appeared alongside him during the presentation to underscore Myers' comedic legacy. This honor celebrated his ability to blend humor with cultural influence, setting it apart as a pinnacle lifetime achievement rather than a category-specific accolade.[10][6] Bethany Hamilton received the Courage Award for her extraordinary resilience after surviving a shark attack in 2003 that resulted in the loss of her left arm, yet she returned to professional surfing as a teenager. The award was presented by Janet Jackson, who highlighted Hamilton's determination and positive outlook in the face of adversity during the onstage handover. Hamilton's story exemplified the award's focus on inspirational fortitude, motivating young viewers to overcome personal challenges.[24][6] In the athletic honors, Tony Hawk was given the Male Athlete Award for his pioneering role in skateboarding, transforming it into a mainstream extreme sport through his professional career and video game series. Similarly, Mia Hamm earned the Female Athlete Award for her stellar soccer achievements, including leading the U.S. women's national team to World Cup and Olympic victories, inspiring generations of female athletes. These awards recognized enduring icons whose influence extended beyond competition to cultural and participatory growth in sports.[6][1] Adam Sandler was honored with the Comedian Award for his prolific output of humorous films and sketches, including hits like 50 First Dates, which resonated with teen audiences through relatable, lighthearted storytelling. The recognition spotlighted his transition from Saturday Night Live to blockbuster comedy, emphasizing his broad appeal in fostering joy and escapism.[6] Finally, Ashlee Simpson received the Fresh Face Award as an emerging artist breaking out with her debut album Autobiography, capturing the energy of new talent in music. Simpson accepted the award backstage and performed "Pieces of Me" during the ceremony, symbolizing her rapid rise and fresh perspective in pop culture. This honor highlighted up-and-coming figures poised to shape teen entertainment trends.[25][6]Movies
The 2004 Teen Choice Awards featured several categories recognizing excellence in film, voted on by teenagers through online and text ballots, reflecting the year's most popular cinematic releases among young audiences. These awards highlighted a diverse range of genres, from animated comedies and romantic dramas to action adventures and horror, capturing the pulse of teen entertainment in 2004.[6] Key categories included Choice Movie of the Summer, awarded to Spider-Man 2, which underscored the blockbuster appeal of superhero franchises that year. Other notable wins spanned subgenres, with Shrek 2 taking Choice Movie: Comedy for its family-friendly humor and box office dominance, grossing $441.2 million domestically.[6][26]| Category | Winner | Notable Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Choice Movie of the Summer | Spider-Man 2 | Troy, The Day After Tomorrow, Van Helsing |
| Choice Movie: Comedy | Shrek 2 | 50 First Dates, Mean Girls, 13 Going on 30 |
| Choice Movie Actor: Comedy | Adam Sandler (50 First Dates) | Jack Black (School of Rock), Will Ferrell (Elf), Topher Grace (Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!) |
| Choice Movie Actress: Comedy | Lindsay Lohan (Mean Girls) | Drew Barrymore (50 First Dates), Jennifer Garner (13 Going on 30), Rachel McAdams (Mean Girls) |
| Choice Date Movie | 50 First Dates | The Notebook, 13 Going on 30, Along Came Polly |
| Choice Movie Actor: Drama/Action Adventure | Brad Pitt (Troy) | Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man 2), Jamie Foxx (Collateral), Orlando Bloom (Troy) |
| Choice Movie Actress: Drama/Action Adventure | Halle Berry (Gothika) | Scarlett Johansson (The Girl Next Door), Mandy Moore (Saved!), Kristen Bell (The Girl Next Door) |
| Choice Movie: Action/Adventure | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | The Day After Tomorrow, Hellboy, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Spider-Man 2 |
| Choice Movie Actor: Action/Adventure | Brad Pitt (Troy) | Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King), Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man 2) |
| Choice Movie Actress: Action/Adventure | Halle Berry (Gothika) | Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl), Uma Thurman (Kill Bill: Vol. 2) |
| Choice Movie: Horror | The Texas Chainsaw Massacre | Dawn of the Dead, EuroTrip, Freddy vs. Jason, Scary Movie 3 |
| Choice Movie Sleazebag | Seann William Scott (American Wedding) | Jessica Lange (Big Fish), F. Murray Abraham (The O.C. – crossover nod), Vincent D'Onofrio (The Whole Wide World) |
| Choice Movie Breakout Star – Male | Chad Michael Murray (A Cinderella Story) | Seann William Scott (American Wedding), Andy Garcia (Ocean's Twelve), Shia LaBeouf (Holes) |
| Choice Movie Breakout Star – Female | Lindsay Lohan (Mean Girls, Freaky Friday) | Kirsten Dunst (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Judy Greer (13 Going on 30), Mandy Moore (Saved!) |
| Choice Movie Liplock | Orlando Bloom & Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl) | Ryan Gosling & Rachel McAdams (The Notebook), Tobey Maguire & Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man 2) |
| Choice Movie – Your Parents Didn’t Want You to See | American Wedding | Old School, EuroTrip, Scary Movie 3 |
Television
The 2004 Teen Choice Awards highlighted the growing influence of teen-oriented television programming, particularly in the realms of drama and reality formats, which captured the attention of young voters amid a broader surge in unscripted content across networks. Shows like The O.C. exemplified the appeal of stylish teen dramas, while reality series such as Punk'd reflected the era's fascination with celebrity pranks and behind-the-scenes access, contributing to the genre's dominance in prime-time schedules. This voting outcome underscored a preference for Fox-broadcast properties, with The O.C. securing multiple honors that boosted its status as a cultural phenomenon.[28][29] The television categories celebrated breakout talents and established hits, with American Idol judge Simon Cowell earning recognition for his sharp critiques in a year when reality competitions were reshaping viewer engagement. Teen dramas faced competition from comedies and variety formats, but the emphasis on relatable characters and high-stakes narratives propelled several Fox and WB series to the forefront.[28][30]| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Choice TV Show: Drama/Action Adventure | The O.C. |
| Choice TV: Reality/Variety | Punk'd |
| Choice TV Show: Late Night | Saturday Night Live |
| Choice TV Breakout Show | The O.C. |
| Choice TV Actress: Drama/Adventure | Jennifer Garner (Alias) |
| Choice TV Actor: Drama/Adventure | Adam Brody (The O.C.) |
| Choice TV Sidekick | Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) |
| Choice TV Personality | Ashton Kutcher |
| Choice TV Breakout Star: Female | Mischa Barton (The O.C.) |
| Choice TV Breakout Star: Male | Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill) |
| Choice Reality/Variety Star | Ashton Kutcher (Punk'd) |
| Choice Reality/Variety Jackass | Simon Cowell (American Idol) |
Music
The music categories at the 2004 Teen Choice Awards celebrated the year's breakout hits and artists, emphasizing R&B/hip-hop fusions, pop anthems, and rock ballads that resonated with teenage audiences through heavy MTV rotation and radio play.[32] R&B superstar Usher emerged as the night's dominant force, securing four awards and highlighting the genre's crossover appeal to young voters amid a landscape dominated by infectious rhythms and celebrity-driven narratives.[33] Pop icons like Britney Spears also shone, with their edgy singles capturing teen fascination with glamour and rebellion.[6] The awards reflected 2004's musical trends, where R&B/hip-hop tracks like Usher's collaborations topped charts and votes, signaling a shift toward urban sounds blending with pop accessibility, while rock elements in love songs and tours appealed to alternative teen subcultures.[32]| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Choice Music Single | "Toxic" by Britney Spears |
| Choice Music Album | Confessions by Usher |
| Choice R&B Artist | Usher |
| Choice R&B Track | "Yeah!" by Usher featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris |
| Choice Love Song | "I Miss You" by Blink-182 |
| Choice Music Hookup | "Yeah!" by Usher featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris |
| Choice Music Tour | No Doubt and Blink-182 |
| Choice Summer Song | "Pieces of Me" by Ashlee Simpson |