Madonna dominated the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles on September 27, winning seven trophies from 11 nominations. Snoop Dogg hosted the ceremony, where Taylor Swift claimed the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors.
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards brought music’s biggest stars to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27. Rapper Snoop Dogg hosted the star-studded ceremony, which featured standout performances and major historical milestones across multiple genres.
Madonna Leads the Night With Seven Wins
More than 40 years after her iconic “Like a Virgin” performance rocked the inaugural VMAs, Madonna returned to the stage for her first VMAs performance in 23 years. The Queen of Pop led all nominees with 11 nods, thanks largely in part to the short film she made for her celebrated new album, Confessions II.
Madonna walked away as the night’s biggest winner, taking home seven trophies from 11 nominations, including artist of the year (three were awarded on the Sept. 27 broadcast).
- Artist of the Year: Madonna – Warner Records
- Best Dance: Madonna, Confessions II – The Film
- Best Collaboration: Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, Bring Your Love
Taylor Swift and Lisa Make VMA History
Taylor Swift trailed closely behind Madonna, earning 11 nominations. She is also up for Artist of the Year. Swift’s video for her The Fate of Ophelia,
is nominated for Video of the Year, Best Pop, and numerous creative prizes. The visual for Swift’s other big hit, “Opalite,” also scored a lone nod for Best Direction. Taylor Swift took home three out of her nine nominations, and was presented with the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl
singer-songwriter victory included Video of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia
– Republic Records and Best Direction for “Opalite.”
Meanwhile, Lisa has further cemented her place in VMA history. The BLACKPINK star is now the most-awarded K-pop soloist in the history of the ceremony.
BTS, Bruno Mars, and Other Major Category Winners
Bruno Mars secured a nomination in Video of the Year for “I Just Might” – Atlantic Records, and was nominated for Artist of the Year.
| Category | Winner | Track / Project |
|---|---|---|
| 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” |
| Best New Artist | Sienna Spiro | — |
| Best Pop | LISA feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi | “Dream” |
| Best Hip-Hop | Cardi B feat. Kehlani | “Safe” |
| Best R&B | Bruno Mars | “I Just Might” |
| Best Alternative | Olivia Rodrigo | “the cure” |
| Best Latin | Shakira & Burna Boy | “Dai Dai” |
| Best Country | Ella Langley | “Choosin’ Texas” |
Additional Category Trophies and Special Honors
Ariana Grande was nominated in Video of the Year for hate that i made you love me
– Republic Records and Artist of the Year – Republic Records, and secured Best Visual Effects for hate that i made you love me.
Sabrina Carpenter was nominated in Video of the Year for “Tears” – Island, and earned two trophies, including Best Editing for “House Tour.”
Other notable winners included Sienna Spiro for Best New Artist, Olivia Rodrigo for Best Alternative with “the cure,” Shakira & Burna Boy for Best Latin with “Dai Dai,” and Ella Langley for Best Country with Choosin’ Texas.
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