Boseman quickly handed off his best hero award to James Shaw Jr., who wrestled an assault-style rifle away from a gunman in a Tennessee Waffle House in April. "This is going to live at your house," Boseman told Shaw, giving him the show's golden popcorn award.

Stranger Things was the top television honoree, winning four awards including a repeat win for best show.

Black Panther, about a king and virtuous superhero of the technologically-advanced nation of Wakanda, broke barriers earlier this year as the first Marvel film to feature a black lead. Its massive popularity overshadowed competing films like Wonder Woman and Avengers: Infinity War.

The gay teen comedy Love, Simon won for best kiss for a scene between Nick Robinson and Keiynan Lonsdale.

In addition to winning best show, kids of Stranger Things also won awards for most frightened performance, best musical moment and best performance for Millie Bobby Brown.

Other winners included Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom in Riverdale for scene stealer, Gal Gadot for best fight as Wonder Woman and the young cast of It for best on-screen team.

Gaga: Fight Foot Two won the award for best documentary.

Common presented Lena Waithe with the trailblazer award for her activism, writing and "deeply honest art".

Chris Pratt mixed humour and religious messages while accepting the show's generation award, telling the crowd to "breathe. If you don't, you'll suffocate."

He also urged fans to "learn to pray" and accept that they are imperfect.

The show also featured musical performances by Nick Jonas and Mustard, as well as rising stars and Beyonce proteges Chloe x Halle.

Australian Associated Press