Justin Timberlake and Beyonce lead the nominations for the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards with seven nods each, it was announced today. Following closely behind are Rihanna and Kanye West, who racked up five nominations a piece, while everyone's favorite wino, Amy Winehouse, earned three.

Super-producer-turned-artist Timbaland takes the reigns as the musical director for the event, which will take place in Las Vegas' Palms Casino Resort. Confirmed performances include Timberlake, West, Winehouse, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Fall Out Boy, Foo Fighters and Lily Allen.

Several new categories will make their debut in the 24th annual installment of the awards show: Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Most Earthshattering Collaboration, Monster Single of the Year, and Quadruple Threat of the Year -- an award honoring a jack of all trades (i.e. music, fashion, philanthropy, business, acting and dance).

The VMAs will air live Sept. 9 on MTV, at 9pm ET. For a full list of the nominees, go to MTV.com.

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