MTV Video Music Awards: Taylor Swift Wins Video of the Year, Madonna Earns 7 Trophies
Madonna scooped up three awards during the on-air portion of the ceremony, hosted by Snoop Dogg.
Swift won video of the year and also was presented with the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors by Dakota Johnson.
Johnson stars in Swift’s new video for “Patient Zero,” which premiered during the VMAs. She also won best direction for “Opalite.”
Swift told the fans that the reason she loves making videos is because of them. She also dedicated her video of the year award to the “ultimate showgirl,” Dolly Parton.
Madonna was the big winner of the night, earning 7 awards on Sunday. She and Sabrina Carpenter won best collaboration not long after opening the show together with a performance of “Bring Your Love.” Madonna noted that when she reached out to Carpenter about working together, the latter didn’t get back to her for five days.
Madonna also won artist of the year honors. “I spent the last year and a half finding myself, believing in myself, and making the music I want to make,” she said in accepting the award. “That is the definition of being an artist.” She also encouraged other aspiring artists to do the same.
Lisa was presented with the award for best pop for “Dream” during the telecast, while Sienna Spiro was named best new artist.
Chuck D presented Nirvana with the Video Vanguard Award this year (Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear accepted). There also were tributes to Parton (by Kacey Musgraves) and George Michael (by Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims). Other performers included Gener8ion, Yung Lean, Lisa, Shaboozey, Gunna and Sienna Spiro.
Oscar-nominated actress Teyana Taylor, singer Charli xcx and Off Campus sensation Belmont Cameli were among the presenters at the Video Music Awards.
Also taking the stage at Sunday’s show will be singer-songwriter Alex Warren, 1923 star Brandon Sklenar, Summer House star Ciara Miller, Superman star David Corenswet, Cameli’s Off Campus co-star Ella Bright, 1883 star Isabel May, Survivor host Jeff Probst, Saturday Night Live veteran Rachel Dratch, singer Tyla and actor-singer Troye Sivan, rapper Chuck D, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, musician Orville Peck and Paris Hilton.The 2026 VMAs, which are taking place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, aired live on CBS and MTV and stream on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S. It also will be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.
The show was produced by Gunpowder & Sky, with Van Toffler producing.
Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barb Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer serve as executive producers, alongside Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer. Snoop Dogg also is exec producer.
See the winners below.
Video of the Year
Bruno Mars – “I Just Might” – Atlantic Records
GENER8ION – “STORM starring Yung Lean” – Iconoclast Music
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records
Sabrina Carpenter – “Tears”- Island
Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records (WINNER)
Artist of the Year
