Taylor Swift and Madonna shared the spotlight at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, and both walked away with major hardware. Swift won video of the year and seven trophies overall, while Madonna took seven awards herself.
Swift’s win came after a presentation of the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, which she received from Dakota Johnson. Johnson starred in Swift’s new video for “Patient Zero,” which premiered during the show. Swift also picked up best direction for “Opalite,” and she dedicated her video of the year award to Dolly Parton, calling her the “ultimate showgirl.”
Madonna opened the show with Sabrina Carpenter on “Bring Your Love.” She later won artist of the year, saying she spent the last year and a half finding and believing in herself, and making the music she wanted to make. “That is the definition of being an artist,” she said. She also encouraged other aspiring artists to do the same.
Madonna’s Seven-Trophy Night
Carpenter and Madonna took home the best collaboration award for “Bring Your Love,” with Madonna sharing that Carpenter took five days to respond after she reached out about the project.
Lisa won best pop for “Dream,” and Sienna Spiro was named best new artist. Snoop Dogg hosted the ceremony.
The Video Vanguard Award went to Nirvana, with Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear taking the stage to accept it. The evening also saw tributes paid to Parton, presented by Kacey Musgraves, and to George Michael, presented by Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims. Gener8ion, Yung Lean, Lisa, Shaboozey, Gunna and Sienna Spiro all took their turn performing.
The Long List of Presenters
A parade of stars took the stage for the show. Among the presenters were Oscar-nominated actress Teyana Taylor, singer Charli xcx and Belmont Cameli from Off Campus. The lineup also included singer-songwriter Alex Warren, 1923 star Brandon Sklenar, Summer House star Ciara Miller, Superman star David Corenswet, Ella Bright, who stars alongside Cameli on Off Campus, 1883 star Isabel May, Survivor host Jeff Probst, Saturday Night Live veteran Rachel Dratch, singer Tyla and actor-singer Troye Sivan.
The presenters included rapper Chuck D, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, musician Orville Peck and Paris Hilton.
The Full Winners List
CBS and MTV broadcast the event live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with Paramount+ Premium streaming it in the U.S. The show was produced by Gunpowder & Sky, with Van Toffler producing. The executive producers include Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barb Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer, along with Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer, and Snoop Dogg rounds out that group as well. The 2026 VMAs drew audiences across all three platforms.
The Video of the Year nominees were:
- Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records
- 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)
The list of Artist of the Year nominees featured a mix of pop stars and country musicians, including Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift.
Sienna Spiro took Best New Artist. The other artists in contention for the award were Bella Kay, CORTIS, Magnus Ferrell, Malcolm Todd, and Stella Lefty.
Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter took home Best Collaboration with a score of “Bring Your Love,” which beat the competition including Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice and French Montana x Max B.
BTS took home Song of the Year for “Swim,” alongside Ella Langley, HUNTR/X, Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” and RAYE – “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”, who were all nominated.
Song of Summer was won by Ariana Grande for “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” with Bruno Mars, Charli xcx, Ella Langley, KATSEYE, Latto ft. Doja Cat, Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, Slayyyter, sombr, Stella Lefty, Tame Impala & JENNIE all in the running.
Lisa took Best Pop, scoring “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi,” while Ariana Grande, Charli xcx, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae and Taylor Swift all placed below her in the final standings.
Best Album went to Madonna’s Confessions II, ahead of Drake’s ICEMAN, Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving, Olivia Rodrigo’s you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, and Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend.
Swift and Madonna were the standouts of the evening, each making a distinct impression. The tributes to Parton and George Michael added a historical weight to the proceedings, while the constant influx of celebrities ensured the stage remained full from start to finish.
Source material: “MTV Video Music Awards: Taylor Swift Wins Video of the Year, Madonna Nabs Seven Trophies,” The Hollywood Reporter.
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