The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards took over LA on Sunday night (Sept. 27), and some of the biggest names in music gathered in the Peacock Theater to find out who would take home a Moon Person (or seven). Madonna was the telecast’s biggest winner, taking home seven prizes in total, including three onstage wins: artist of the year, best dance (her Confessions II short film) and best collaboration (“Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter).
The next big winner: Taylor Swift, who accepted the first-ever Artist Director Honors (before premiering her latest self-directed video, for her brand-new track “Patient Zero”) and returned to take home the final award of the night: video of the year for “The Fate of Ophelia”; she also won best direction for “Opalite.”
The Queen Of Pop has earned 11 nods, including Video Of The Year for the star-studded Confessions II – The Film – which accompanied her acclaimed latest studio album.
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the VMAs aired live Sunday night on CBS. Performers and special honorees included Madonna opening the show; Kacey Musgraves performing a tribute to Dolly Parton; RAYE,SOMBR and Teddy Swims honoring George Michael; Nirvana receiving the Video Vanguard Award; and LISA, RAYE, Spiro, Shaboozey (with and without Gunna) and GENER8ION & Yung Lean hitting the stage.
Video of the Year
Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” (Republic Records)
Artist of the Year
Madonna (Warner Records)
Song of the Year
BTS – “Swim” (BigHit Music)
Best New Artist
Sienna Spiro (Capitol Records)
Best Collaboration
Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – “Bring Your Love” (Warner Records)
Best Pop
LISA – “Dream (featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi)” (Lloud Co./ RCA Records)
Best Hip-Hop
Cardi B featuring Kehlani – “Safe” (Atlantic Records)
Best R&B
Bruno Mars – “I Just Might” (Atlantic Records)
Best Alternative
Olivia Rodrigo – “the cure” (Geffen Records)
Best Dance
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” (Warner Records)
Best Latin
Bad Bunny – “NEUVAYoL” (Rimas Entertainment)
Best K-Pop
BTS – “Swim” (BigHit Music)
Best Country
Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas” (Columbia Records)
Best Direction
Taylor Swift – “Opalite” (Republic Records)
Best Art Direction
PinkPantheress, “Stateside + Zara Larsson” (Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records)
Best Cinematography
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” (Warner Records)
Best Editing
Sabrina Carpenter – “House Tour!” (Island)
Best Choreography
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” (Warner Records)
Best Visual Effects
Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” (Republic Records)
