NEW YORK, Jul 24, 2003/ FW/ --- Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliot tops the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards with 8 nominations which includes Best Video of the Year.

Missy's surrealitisc "Work It" video is also nominated for best female video, best hip-hop video, best direction, special effects, art direction, editing and cinematography.

Teen-age heartthrob Justin Timberlake garnered 7 nominations, five nods for his music video for "Cry Me A River" and two for "Rock Your Body."

Newcomer Kelly Clarkson, winner of "American Idol" is nominated for Best New Artist.

And country music icon Johnny Cash garnered six nominations for his music video "Hurt."

"I am overwhelmed by this great honor. I thank you all for thinking of me," commented Johnny Cash on his 6 nominations. "It's been 48 years since I cut my first record and it's nice that people are still digging them up."

The 20th annual MTV Video Music Awards are scheduled to air live from Radio City Music Hall at 8 p.m. on Aug. 28, 2003.

Chris Rock will be the host, with musical performances planned from Christina Aguilera, Coldplay and others.