Sabrina Carpenter and Madonna at The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards Francis Specker/CBS The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are being handed out Sunday night.
Snoop Dogg is hosting the ceremony, which will open with a performance by Madonna, who leads the nominees with 13 mentions, followed by Taylor Swift with 11. Competitive awards will be handed out in 23 categories, including video of the year. (See the looks and arrivals.)
Lisa won the award for best pop for “Dream”, while Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter won best collaboration not long after opening the show together with a performance of “Bring Your Love.” Madonna noted that when she reached out to Carpenter about working together, the latter didn’t get back to her for five days.
Madonna also won artist of the year honors. “I spent the last year and a half finding myself, believing in myself, and making the music I want to make,” she said in accepting the award. “That is the definition of being an artist.” She also encouraged other aspiring artists to do the same.
Chuck D presented Nirvana with the Video Vanguard Award this year, while Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. There also will be tributes to Dolly Parton (by Kacey Musgraves) and George Michael (by Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims). Other performers will include Gener8ion, Yung Lean, Lisa, Shaboozey, Gunna and Sienna Spiro.
Oscar-nominated actress Teyana Taylor, singer Charli xcx and Off Campus sensation Belmont Cameli will be among the presenters at the Video Music Awards. Also taking the stage at Sunday’s show will be singer-songwriter Alex Warren, 1923 star Brandon Sklenar, Summer House star Ciara Miller, Superman star David Corenswet, Cameli’s Off Campus co-star Ella Bright, 1883 star Isabel May, Survivor host Jeff Probst, Saturday Night Live veteran Rachel Dratch, singer Tyla and actor-singer Troye Sivan, rapper Chuck D, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, musician Orville Peck and Paris Hilton.
The 2026 VMAs, which are taking place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, are airing live on CBS and MTV and stream on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S. It also will be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV. The show is produced by Gunpowder & Sky, with Van Toffler producing. Toffler recently told The Hollywood Reporter that the 2026 VMAs will be a “kick-ass, fast-paced show,” adding: “This will be an atypical awards show, and it’ll be a fun ride.”
Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barb Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer serve as executive producers, alongside Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer. Snoop Dogg also is exec producer.
Keep up with the winners below.
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Song of Summer
Ariana Grande, “Hate That I Made You Love Me” – Republic Records Bruno Mars, “Risk It All” – Atlantic Records Charli xcx, “Camera” – Atlantic Records Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas” – Columbia Records KATSEYE, “Hootie Frutti” – HYBE x Geffen Records Latto ft. Doja Cat, “Okayyy” – Steamcut / RCA Records Morgan Wallen, “Been By Now – Big Loud / Mercury Records Olivia Dean, “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” – Island Olivia Rodrigo, “Stupid Song” – Geffen Records Sabrina Carpenter, “House Tour” – Island Slayyyter, “Brand New Chanel$” – RECORDS/Columbia Records sombr, “Homewrecker” – SMB Music / Warner Records Stella Lefty, “Boston” – Sandlot / Atlantic Outpost Tame Impala & JENNIE, “Dracula” – Columbia Records Taylor Swift, “I Knew It, I Knew You” – Walt Disney Records / Republic Records
