MTV VMAs 2026 winners: The biggest awards, historic victories and standout moments
The MTV VMAs took place at the Peacock Theatre on Sunday, 27 September, with Snoop Dogg hosting the two-hour ceremony.
Major winners included Madonna, Taylor Swift, BTS, Ariana Grande, Lisa, Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter.
Taylor Swift made MTV Video Music Awards history while Madonna emerged as the biggest winner of the 2026 ceremony, collecting seven awards during a star-studded night in Los Angeles, writes Music News Blitz’s Anna Ferraz.
Madonna leads the 2026 MTV VMAs winners
Madonna secured more awards than any other artist, winning seven of her nominated categories.
The pop icon was named Artist of the Year, while Confessions II - The Film won Best Dance, Best Long Form Video, Best Album, Best Cinematography and Best Choreography.
Her song “Bring Your Love,” featuring Sabrina Carpenter, was also named Best Collaboration. Madonna opened the ceremony alongside Carpenter with her first live MTV VMAs performance in 23 years.
The achievement marked another major chapter in her decades-long relationship with the awards, which began with her famous Like a Virgin performance in 1984.
Taylor Swift becomes the most-awarded artist in VMAs history
Taylor Swift collected three honours and officially became the most-awarded artist in MTV VMAs history.
Swift won Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and Best Direction for “Opalite.”
She also became the first recipient of the Artist Director Honors award, created to recognise musicians whose work behind the camera has advanced music-video production and visual storytelling.
The three wins brought Swift’s career total to 33 VMAs, moving her ahead of Beyoncé, with whom she had previously shared the record at 30 awards each.
During her Video of the Year acceptance speech, Swift dedicated the award to Dolly Parton, calling the late country star “the ultimate showgirl.”
She also premiered her self-directed “Patient Zero” music video, starring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell.
BTS, Lisa and Sienna Spiro celebrate major victories
BTS earned three awards during the ceremony. The group’s song “Swim” won Song of the Year and Best K-pop, while BTS were also named Best Group.
Lisa won Best Pop for “Dream,” featuring Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi, while rising British singer Sienna Spiro was crowned Best New Artist.
Elsewhere, Cardi B and Kehlani won Best Hip-hop for “Safe,” Bruno Mars received Best R&B for “I Just Might,” and Bad Bunny took home Best Latin for “NUEVAYoL.”
Olivia Rodrigo’s “The Cure” was named Best Alternative, while Ella Langley won Best Country for “Choosin’ Texas.”
Ariana Grande secured Song of Summer and Best Visual Effects for “Hate That I Made You Love Me.”
Nirvana receive the Video Vanguard Award
Nirvana were honoured with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, accepted by surviving members Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl and Pat Smear.
The 2026 MTV VMAs ultimately balanced new-generation success with career-spanning recognition.
Madonna led the winners, BTS strengthened their global awards record, and Swift’s three latest trophies established her as the most successful artist in VMAs history.
READ NEXT: Taylor Swift honours Dolly Parton during record-breaking night at MTV VMAs
