Fatboy Slim, 'Lady Marmalade' Lead MTV Video Awards Nominees

July 24 -- Fatboy Slim's music video for "Weapon of Choice" is the top, um, choice at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, drawing nine nominations yesterday.

The video, directed by Spike Jonze — who also directed Fatboy Slim's hilariously low-tech 1999 video for "Praise You" — features actor Christopher Walken, better known for his many menacing film roles, tap-dancing all over the lobby of a luxury hotel.

"Weapon of Choice" is competing in the Video of the Year, Best Dance Video, Best Direction in a Video, Best Choreography in a Video, Best Special Effects in a Video, Best Art Direction in a Video, Best Editing in a Video, Best Cinematography in a Video, and Breakthrough Video categories.

Also racking up multiple nominations were the videos for "Lady Marmalade," as sung by garter-belted songstresses Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, and Pink; Missy Elliott's "Get Ur Freak On"; and 'N Sync's "Pop."

Rapper Eminem took five nominations for his song "Stan." Singer Dido's "Thank You," which provides the haunting backbone to "Stan," also earned her a Best Female Video nod.

But we have to ask: No nominations for Grammy Album of the Year winners Steely Dan? Tsk, tsk. The MTV voters are so out of touch.

Ballots for the awards were sent to a group of viewers, people representing record labels, music journalists, and video producers, who determined the nominees.

Trophies will be handed out during a live broadcast Sept. 6 at the Metropolitan House at Lincoln Center in New York City. U2 and Alicia Keys are scheduled to perform.

A host for the awards show will be named soon, as will presenters and additional performers.

Nominations in Major CategoriesVideo of the YearFatboy Slim, "Weapon of Choice" Eminem featuring Dido, "Stan" U2, "Beautiful Day" Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, Pink, "Lady Marmalade" Janet Jackson, "All for You" Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, "Get Ur Freak On"

Best Male VideoEminem featuring Dido, "Stan" Lenny Kravitz, "Again" Robbie Williams, "Rock DJ" Moby featuring Gwen Stefani, "South Side" Nelly, "Ride Wit Me"