Complete Scene Hailee Steinfeld as Belle at the MTV Movie and TV Awards .

Emma Watson just single-handedly saved the otherwise-awkward opening of the 2017 MTV Movie and TV Awards.

The awards show kicked off with a (somewhat painful) parody of the live-action retelling of Beauty and the Beast: Host Adam Devine performed as the Beast, and he was joined onstage by several of the film’s characters, including Josh Gad (reprising his role as LeFou), Blake Anderson (as Lumiere), and Rebel Wilson (as Mrs. Potts). But even though the real-life Belle (Watson) was present in the audience (she’s up for the Best Actor in a Movie and Best Kiss awards), the opener turned to a different actor to fill the Beauty role: Devine and Wilson’s Pitch Perfect 2 costar Hailee Steinfeld.

Steinfeld was fully prepared to jump right into the Belle role, shedding a purple overcoat to debut Belle’s signature yellow ball gown and immediately joining Devine onstage. The audience’s (and Watson’s own) reaction to the debut of Belle 2.0 was a mixture of pure joy and shock.

The ever-adorable Watson can be seen applauding Steinfeld with a huge grin on her face and mouthing to her seatmate something to the effect of “She’s so cute!” Funnily enough, that’s exactly the same reaction we had watching Watson watch Steinfeld step into her shoes onstage. Relive the Disney magic of the moment for yourselves below:

It was a role that would soon win her a prestigious paperweight.

But first Emma Watson got to see Beauty And The Beast's Belle come to life again when Hailee Steinfeld played the role during the opening of the MTV Movie And TV Awards in

The Harry Potter star squealed with delight when the actress ripped off her outfit to reveal she was wearing her famous yellow costume underneath.

What a beauty: Hailee Steinfeld played Belle during the opening of the MTV Movie And TV Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday

What an eek! Emma Watson squealed when she saw her role was being recreated at the show

Emma, who would go on to win the coveted Best Actor gong for her turn in the live action Disney reboot, seemed giddy with delight when her fellow actress took to the stage for a comical song and dance number.

In a comical display that saw Rebel Wilson take to the stage as a hefty Mrs Potts teapot, Hailee, 20, definitely proved to be perhaps the most memorable live action Belle yet as she strutted her stuff before showing off her off-key singing voice.

The number finished in a gasp-inducing flourish, with Adam leaping onto a table before swinging on a chandelier.

Rebel tried to warn him off, telling him: 'Adam, I hosted this one, and it might not be worth dying for.'

Making a song and dance about it: The jazz hands made an appearance during the routine

Give us a twirl: He took his elegant co-star for a spin on the stage

But after being heckled he replied, 'You're right, James Corden would do it,' before flying over the audience, yelping and warbling as he went 

MTV was heralding the start of summer viewing season with its Movie And TV Awards.

Formerly known as the MTV Movie Awards, TV shows are newly eligible for Golden Popcorn trophies at this year's ceremony, which broadcasts live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. 

In virtue signalling style it was also breaking down gender barriers, with men and women competing together in the acting categories.

The show is keeping up its traditional irreverence, though, with awards recognizing the best hero, villain, kiss and duo across television and film.

Several new categories were added this year: Best American Story, for the program or film that 'showcases America at its best'; Best Fight Against the System, which celebrates underdog efforts and social justice; top trending moment; and best musical moment.

She's a little teapot: Rebel looked short and stout thanks to her comical costume.

The horror hit Get Out led the nominees with six nods, including movie of the year. 

Beauty and the Beast and the Netflix series Stranger Things had four nominations each.

The cast of the Fast and Furious franchise received the Generation Award, which Vin Diesel accepted.

Hosted by actor Adam Devine, the MTV Movie & TV Awards also feature sneak peeks of anticipated films including Transformers: The Last Knight and Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Zendaya and Tom Holland teamed up to represent their new Marvel film at the televised event.

Paying tribute? Perhaps Hailee was giving a salute to Emma in the audience.

King of the swingers: Host Adam DeVine seemed to have mixed up his Disney films

No Hidden Figure here: Taraji P. Henson gasped with fright as he took to the sky

Worth chande-leering at: Everyone was staring during the hilarious moment .