Though the guest list included some of Hollywood’s most talked about celebrities, it was a Canadian rapper who stole the show at the 2006 MuchMusic Video Awards, held Sunday night in Toronto.

Kardinal Offishall arrived on the red carpet riding in a fire truck and walked away with three trophies – best video, best director and the VideoFACT award for his single “Everyday (Rudebwoy).”

“It’s three awards I’m going to give to my mom,” said Offishall, who was tied for the lead with five nominations.

The loudest screams from the thousands surrounding the MuchMusic building were reserved for the heiress-turned-singer Paris Hilton.

Photographers followed Hilton from the moment she touched down at Pearson Airport Saturday afternoon and proceeded to capture her every move as she went shopping, partied at Inside Saturday night and walked around the awards.

Backstage, Hilton talked about her transition into a musician.

“People can assume that just because my last name’s Hilton that I’m not a singer. But this is something I’ve been doing since I was six years old. It’s what I’m most passionate about right now,” she said. Hilton also revealed that she plans to remain single for the next year.

Most of the awards honoured Canadian videos, but the international celebs received the most attention.

Amanda Bynes, Elisha Cuthbert, Jesse Metcalfe from Desperate Housewives and Tori Spelling were among the presenters.

Spelling and new husband Dean McDermott were involved in some backstage drama at the awards. Canadian television personality Mary Jo Eustace, who divorced McDermott shortly after he met Spelling on a movie shoot, was invited to the awards but was apparently asked to leave at the insistence of McDermott.

“I would love to see her. I have a few words,” joked Spelling backstage. “Anyone see where she is? I probably look better in my dress so maybe we can get a photo op.”

Yellowcard, Rihanna and Fall Out Boy performed.

Even former Newlywed, and now former husband, Nick Lachey came to the awards to perform his new single, “What’s Left of Me.”

Lachey kept a low profile, posing for photographers briefly on the red carpet before dashing inside. He later skipped his scheduled time in the press room.

It wasn’t all about the Americans though, as several Canadians had memorable moments at the show.

The members of Hedley ? featuring former Canadian Idol finalist Jacob Hoggard ? mooned the crowd to reveal their band name tattooed on their rear-ends at every chance they got.

Nelly Furtado arrived at the same time as Hilton and they posed together on the red carpet. Furtado later performed her massive hit “Promiscuous” with Timbaland.

Other winners included Massari (Best Pop Video), Metric (Best Independent Video) and City And Colour (People’s Choice: Favourite Canadian Artist).

And just like Diddy says, after the show it was the after party.

Offishall celebrated his win at Ultra Supper Club at a party hosted by Furtado. Lachey entered the party shielded by bodyguards to block photographers, and spent several hours on the patio very close to new fling, MTV VJ Vanessa Minnillo. Spelling, rapper K’Naan and Morris Peterson of the Toronto Raptors also partied at Ultra.

Unlike Lachey, the big names at the Courthouse at a party hosted by Revolver Films didn’t need a private area to enjoy the night. Among the partiers were Fall Out Boy, Simple Plan, Alexisonfire, Yellowcard and Theory of a Deadman.

Complete list of winners:
People’s Choice: Favourite International Group
Fall Out Boy “Dance Dance”

People’s Choice: Favourite International Artist
Kelly Clarkson “Because Of You”

People’s Choice: Favourite Canadian Group
Simple Plan “Crazy”

People’s Choice: Favourite Canadian Artist
City And Colour “Save Your Scissors”

Best Video
Kardinal Offishall f. Ray Robinson – “Everyday (Rudebwoy)”

Best Director
Kardinal Offishall f. Ray Robinson – “Everyday (Rudebwoy)”

Best Post-Production
The Trews – “So She’s Leaving”

Best Cinematography
Buck 65 – “Devil’s Eyes”

Best Pop Video
Massari – “Be Easy”

MuchLOUD Best Rock Video
Nickelback – “Photograph”

MuchVibe Best Rap Video
Classified – “No Mistakes”

Best Independent Video
Metric – “Poster Of A Girl”

MuchMoreMusic Award
Michael Bubl? – “Save The Last Dance For Me”

Best French Video
St?phanie Lapointe – “La Mer”

Best International Video – Artist
Rihanna – “S.O.S. (Rescue Me)”

Best International Video – Group
Green Day – “Wake Me Up When September Ends”

VideoFACT
Kardinal Offishall f. Ray Robinson – “Everyday (Rudebwoy)”






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