Why Rebel Wilson wore wings to an awards show

Rebel Wilson shos off her wings at the MTV Movie Awards. Photo/AP

Australian actress Rebel Wilson wore a pair of over-sized angel wings to the 2015 MTV Movie Awards to protest against the dominance of super-skinny models in advertising.

The Bridesmaids star turned heads when she walked the blue carpet at the event in Los Angeles on Sunday with a pair of large, white feathered wings strapped to her back.

She has now revealed the elaborate costume was meant as a dig at US lingerie company Victoria's Secret, which is known for hiring slender women as the brand's 'angels'.

Wilson tells the New York Daily News: "I think one of the messages is that we are all beautiful and sometimes girls look at Victoria's Secret models and think to model themselves after that. I really don't think that is the best.

"Even though they are called models, they are not the best people to model yourself after, and I would like to encourage other girls to think like that."

She adds of her wings, "The wings are slightly uncomfortable, especially when people knock into you. This will be my cardio for the day. I have had to walk about three flights of steps and these (weigh) about 20 pounds."

- WENN