2026 MTV VMAs: Taylor Swift steals the show, surpasses Beyoncé to enter history books with most ‘Moon Person' trophies, dedicates top prize to Dolly Parton

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) night was one to remember for global pop icon Taylor Swift, who entered record books in style as she took home three ‘Moon Person' trophies on Sunday (September 27, 2026), including the inaugural Artist Director Honors, becoming the most-awarded artist in VMAs history.

With the inaugural Artist Director Honors, she surpassed Beyoncé, whom she was tied with 30 VMAs each, to officially claim the title of the most awarded artist in VMA history. The new award is meant to recognize artists “whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling," as quoted by news agency AP.

“I got to start making music videos and being a part of music videos 20 years ago,” Swift said in her speech, adding that she's been involved in making roughly 60 music videos, 18 of which she wrote and directed. “You, the fans, make it so much fun,” she said.




During the award night, she also bagged two more awards: the top prize of the night, “video of the year," for “The Fate of Ophelia" from her album “The Life of a Showgirl," and Best Direction for "Opalite." She used this opportunity to dedicate that award to the “ultimate showgirl,” the late Dolly Parton. “I think we were all very lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time," Swift said.

The MTV VMAs were broadcast live on CBS from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The award night was opened by Madonna. She opened the star-studded award night with her 2026 single “Bring Your Love" alongside her collaborator Sabrina Carpenter.

The show saw a delay of 20 minutes due to a tight NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys. Snoop Dogg, a 13-time VMAs a nominee and three-time winner, he emerged as host shortly thereafter.


Also Read: MTV Video Music Awards 2026: Kacey Musgraves paid tribute to the late Dolly Parton with the country singer’s classic 'I Will Always Love You'; video goes viral