WEBDESK - NAYADAUR
Taylor Swift made history at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, becoming the most awarded artist in the ceremony’s history with 33 career trophies.
Swift won three awards during the ceremony in Los Angeles, moving ahead of Beyoncé, with whom she had previously been tied at 30 VMAs.
Her showgirl inspired video for “The Fate of Ophelia,” the first single from her 2025 album “The Life of a Showgirl,” won the night’s top prize, Video of the Year.
Holding her latest Moon Person trophy, Swift dedicated the honor to Dolly Parton, the country music icon who died in August at the age of 80.
Swift described Parton as “the ultimate showgirl” and praised her storytelling. She said audiences were fortunate to have shared the world with Parton during her lifetime.
Parton’s death had cast a reflective mood over parts of the ceremony. Earlier in the evening, Kacey Musgraves paid tribute to the country legend by performing “I Will Always Love You,” one of Parton’s most enduring songs.
Swift also received the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, recognizing her work as a creative force behind her music videos. The singer has written and directed 18 of approximately 60 videos released during her career.
Her latest video for “Patient Zero” debuted during the ceremony. The production stars Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell as a couple in an unhealthy relationship.
Swift also won Best Direction for her “Opalite” video.
“The main reason I love writing and directing music videos so much is because you, the fans, make it so much fun,” Swift said while accepting the Artist Director Honors. She thanked fans for continuing to care about the creative work behind her music.
Madonna was another major winner at this year’s VMAs, collecting seven awards, including Artist of the Year and Best Dance Video for “Confessions II: The Film.”
The 68-year-old pop star also reflected on her appearance at the first MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, when her performance of “Like a Virgin” attracted controversy.
Madonna said she experienced a wardrobe malfunction during that performance when one of her shoes came off. She recalled trying to recover while continuing the performance and later being told by her manager that her career was over.
The singer said her latest album, “Confessions II,” reflected a period in which she spent 18 months finding herself, believing in herself and making the music she wanted.
Madonna opened this year’s ceremony with performances alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX. Carpenter later won Best Collaboration for “Bring Your Love,” while Charli XCX joined Madonna for “Danceteria Afterhours.”
Elsewhere, Lisa of Blackpink won Best Pop Video for her solo song “Dream.” The singer became emotional while thanking her fans, known as Lillies, for their support.
English singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro, known for blending pop, jazz, and soul influences, won Best New Artist.
The 2026 VMAs were hosted by Snoop Dogg and broadcast on CBS and MTV, with streaming available on Paramount+. Fans selected winners in the major competitive categories.