Depp's entry consisted of portraying a "moon person", the astronaut who is used as an award statuette at the MTV galas.
After a commercial break, Depp's floating face appeared in the character's space helmet and the actor delivered a few jokes.
- You should know that I needed this job.
Come on, let's get back to the damn music, he said.
Bad Bunny artist of the year
The evening's most prestigious prize for the video of the year went to Taylor Swift and her "All too well: The short film".
As Swift accepted the award, she took the opportunity to reveal that she is releasing a new album this fall.
The album "The stories of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life" will be released on October 21.
Other winners included Bad Bunny for artist of the year, Dove Cameron for best new artist and Harry Styles and his "Harry's house" for best album.
The gala took place in Newark, New Jersey and was hosted by the artist trio LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow.