The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards took place Sunday, September 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by Snoop Dogg. Madonna was the night’s biggest winner with seven awards, while Taylor Swift extended her record as the most-awarded artist in VMA history.

Madonna won Artist of the Year, Best Album for “Confessions II,” Best Dance, Best Collaboration for “Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter, Best Cinematography, Best Choreography, and Best Long Form Video. She opened the show alongside Carpenter and Charli xcx in her first VMA performance in 23 years, having also performed at the inaugural 1984 VMAs.

Swift won Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia,” which she dedicated to the late Dolly Parton, and Best Direction for “Opalite.” She received the first-ever MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, presented by Dakota Johnson, and premiered her self-directed video for new single “Patient Zero,” starring Johnson and Colin Farrell. With 33 career wins, she passed Beyoncé to become the most-awarded artist in VMA history.

BTS won all three categories they entered: Song of the Year for “Swim,” Best K-Pop, and Best Group. BLACKPINK’s LISA won Best Pop for “Dream” and gave the first live TV performance of “SaWaDiKa.” The show included tributes to Dolly Parton, who died August 25 at age 80, and George Michael.