Winners of the 15th Annual MTV Europe Music Awards

(andPOP) - The MTV Europe Music Awards in Liverpool Thursday was a star-studded, special-effects saturated affair - and North American talent seemed to dominate - in fact Britney Spears took home two awards, for Album of the Year and Act of 2008, proving that the public's love-hate relationship for Brit's antics is strong and long-lasting. The only Brit winners were Sir Paul McCartney and Rick Astley (no word on whether he sang "Never Gonna Give You Up" upon receipt of his award).

And the winners Thursday were:

Album of the Year — Britney Spears, "Blackout"

Act of 2008 — Britney Spears

New Act — Katy Perry

Ultimate Urban — Kanye West

Most Addictive Track — Pink, "So What"

Headliner — Tokio Hotel

Rock Out — 30 Seconds to Mars

Video Star — 30 Seconds to Mars, "A Beautiful Life"

Best Act Ever — Rick Astley

Artists' Choice — Lil Wayne

Europe's Favorite Act — Emre Aydin, Turkey

Ultimate Legend — Paul McCartney