Johnny Depp Slimed at Kids Choice Awards

By Stephen M. Silverman

04/04/2005 at 08:00 AM EDT

Ben Stiller was Nickelodeon's 18th annual Kids Choice Awards' knight in shining armor – hosting the event on Saturday outfitted in a head-to-toe silver jumpsuit

The outfit, he announced, would keep him from being this year's celebrity slime victim. So last year's host, Cameron Diaz, pelted him with cream pies.

The evening's first recipient of the event's trademark green goo: Will Ferrell, right after he challenged soccer star Mia Hamm to a soccer kickoff. As expected, the 10,000 screaming youngsters inside UCLA's Pauley Pavilion could not have been more delighted.

Also slimed during the ceremony was Johnny Depp. Amid this mess, prizes were dispersed, including the "wannabe award" to the star that kids most wish to be like. Halle Berry presented the trophy – a silver blimp – to winner Queen Latifah.

Said Queen, acting giddy, according to the Associated Press: "I thank all of you so much for letting me do what I do for a living. I so love what I do."

Other top winners included favorite movie actor Adam Sandler; movie actress Hilary Duff; male singer Usher; and voice from an animated movie Will Smith.

Most winners quickly thanked the crowd, but others offered advice.

"Make sure you brush your teeth, say your prayers, eat your vitamins," said Usher. Smith told them to read books.