The 43rd MTV Video Music Awards celebrated the music world’s biggest acts on Sunday, September 27, at the Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater.
Madonna entered the night as the most-nominated artist with 13 nods, largely for the short film accompanying her latest album Confessions II. She walked away with seven Moon Person trophies, including Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter for “Bring Your Love,” Best Dance, Best Long Form Video, Best Album, Best Cinematography, and Best Choreography. The wins came on the same night as her first VMAs performance in 23 years, where she opened with Carpenter and later brought out Charli XCX for “Danceteria Afterhours.”
Taylor Swift followed closely behind with 11 nominations and took home Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia.” Swift dedicated the award to the late Dolly Parton, calling her “the ultimate showgirl.” She also received the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, recognizing her work behind the camera throughout her career. Swift used the ceremony to debut the music video for her new single “Patient Zero.”
Moreover, K-pop icons like BTS took home Song of the Year and Best K-Pop for “Swim,” while BLACKPINK’s LISA won Best Pop for “Dream” featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi. British singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro won Best New Artist, beating fellow nominees Bella Kay, CORTIS, Magnus Ferrell, Malcolm Todd, Myles Smith, and Stella Lefty.
Live performances by LISA, Shaboozey, GENER8ION, and Yung Lean were among the artists who took the stage. Moreover, RAYE, SOMBR, and Teddy Swims also joined a tribute to George Michael, while Kacey Musgraves paid tribute to Dolly Parton. The night also had Nirvana receive the Video Vanguard Award.
Video of the Year
Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”
Artist of the Year
Madonna
Song of the Year
BTS, “Swim”
Best New Artist
Sienna Spiro
Best Collaboration
Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, “Bring Your Love”
Best Pop
LISA, “Dream” feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi
Best Hip-Hop
Cardi B ft. Kehlani, “Safe”
Best R&B
Bruno Mars, “I Just Might”
Best Alternative
Olivia Rodrigo, “the cure”
Best Dance
Madonna, “Confessions II — The Film”
Best Latin
Bad Bunny, “NUEVAYoL”
Best K-Pop
BTS, “Swim”
Best Country
Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas”
Best Album
Madonna, Confessions II
Special honors
Video Vanguard Award: Nirvana
MTV VMA Artist Director Honors: Taylor Swift
Frequently Asked Questions
The 43rd MTV Video Music Awards took place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Madonna, the night’s most-nominated artist with 13 nods, won seven Moon Person trophies.
Taylor Swift won Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia.” She also received the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors and debuted the music video for her new single “Patient Zero.”
British singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro won Best New Artist.
BTS took home Song of the Year and Best K-Pop for “Swim.”
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