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AP: As you prepare, are you adapting to the role of awards-show host?

Alba: It's going to be different than the normal MTV Awards. I don't think it really feels like you're watching an awards show. Me being involved and being an actor, not really a comedian — but I'm doing comedic stuff — I think it just makes it feel a little different. I'm not a TV personality. I guess it's more sort of the way when Lindsay Lohan did it.

AP: Do you think this will give people a better perspective of your personality?

Alba: Yeah! I'm totally excited! Because usually I get hired for movies and I can't write them, and I have to say what's already there. This just allows me to have a little bit of input in what I'm doing and show a goofier side — and to play. I am an actress because I like to play. Usually I get to play in more serious roles, but this is fun to do something that's completely crazy and wild.

AP: How many outfit changes will you get in?

Alba: Probably four or five. I'm not ridiculous and I'm not a diva. And I really don't like fitting. Clothes are nice, but to be honest, jeans and T-shirts and boots or sneakers, I'm good to go. Dressing up is fun, but after four changes, I get exhausted.

AP: You played a dancer in "Honey," so will you be shaking a leg at the MTV Awards?

Alba: I don't think so. I offered that up. I said it would be funny if I was hidden as a back-up dancer, but doing it really bad — because I'm not a real dancer. But I think it would distract from the performer.

AP: What can you tell us about the surprises we can expect without giving anything away?

Alba: I can't give away any of them! (Except for) the lineup of all the celebrities that are going to be there.

AP: That's such a cop out.

Alba: To me the thing that makes the Movie Awards so interesting is the fact that fans get to vote. So nobody knows who the winners are going to be.

AP: Is there any magazine poll of "sexiest" or "best girlfriend material" that you haven't topped?

Alba: (Laughs) You know I don't really keep track of that kind of stuff. I'm usually like, "Oh, that's nice." I'm always the last to find those kinds of things out, but I'm really, truly grateful that people show up to the movies that I'm in and tune in to the stuff I'm on.