Madonna, Taylor Swift win big at MTV Video Music Awards 2026: Check full list of winners

Sunday was one of music's biggest nights as the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) lit up the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. At 68, Madonna was the top winner at the awards, taking home as many as seven prizes, including artist of the year. The second biggest winner was Taylor Swift, while other artists who accepted awards were LISA and Sienna Spiro.

Madonna returned to the VMAs stage as the leading nominee of the night, with as many as 13 nods. Swift, who already had a record 30 VMAs to her name, was second in line with 11 nominations. Other top contenders were Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, and PinkPantheress.

Nirvana honoured at VMAs

Performances at the award ceremony included Madonna opening the show and Kacey Musgraves performing a tribute to the late country music icon Dolly Parton, who died last month. Meanwhile, legendary rock band Nirvana won the Video Vanguard Award. Hosted by rapper Snoop Dogg, the 2026 MTV VMAs aired live on MTV and CBS. The awards were livestreamed on Paramount+ (Premium).

Full list of 2026 MTV VMAs winners:

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” – BIGHIT MUSIC

Best New Artist: Sienna Spiro – Capitol Records

Best Collaboration: Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – “Bring Your Love” – Warner Records

Best Pop: LISA – “Dream” feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi – Lloud Co./RCA Records

Best Hip-Hop: Cardi B feat. Kehlani – “Safe” – Atlantic Records

Best R&B: Bruno Mars – “I Just Might” – Atlantic Records

Best Alternative: Olivia Rodrigo – “the cure” – Geffen Records

Best Dance: Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records

Best Latin: Bad Bunny – “NUEVAYoL” – Rimas Entertainment

Best K-Pop: BTS – “SWIM” – BIGHIT MUSIC

Best Country: Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas” – Columbia Records

Best Direction: Taylor Swift – “Opalite” – Republic Records

Best Art Direction: PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” – Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records

Best Cinematography: Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records

Best Editing: Sabrina Carpenter – “House Tour”- Island

Best Choreography: Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records

Best Visual Effects: Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records

Best Group: BTS

Best Longform Video: Madonna – Confessions II – The Film – Warner Records

Best Album: Madonna –Confessions II – Warner Records

Song of Summer: Ariana Grande – “Hate That I Made You Love Me” – Republic Records