The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards saw Madonna and Taylor Swift dominate the major prizes, while K-pop star Lisa and British newcomer Sienna Spiro also claimed top honours.
Madonna, who entered the ceremony as the most nominated artist with 13 nominations, collected seven awards overall, including three during the televised ceremony.
The 68-year-old won Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter and Best Dance.
Madonna also opened the ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles with her first VMA performance in 23 years. She performed Bring Your Love with Carpenter and Danceteria with Charli XCX.
Swift, meanwhile, won three awards, including Video of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia and the inaugural Artist Director honour.
The Artist Director award recognised Swift's work behind the camera and her contribution to music videos. She has written and directed 18 of the nearly 60 music videos she has made during her career.
Swift dedicated one of her awards to the late Dolly Parton, who died in August aged 80.
“I’m lucky I got to be one of them, and I’ll always be one of them,” Swift said while reflecting on Parton's career and influence.
She also premiered the video for Patient Zero, the lead single from The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore.
K-pop star Lisa won Best Pop for Dream, while Sienna Spiro was named Best New Artist after fans voted during the ceremony.
Nirvana received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for the influence of the band's music videos.
Accepting the honour, bassist Krist Novoselic said the band's visual concepts were driven by the vision of late frontman Kurt Cobain.
In other categories, BTS won Best Group, Best K-pop and Song of the Year for Swim. Bruno Mars won Best R&B for I Just Might, while Cardi B and Kehlani took Best Hip-Hop for Safe.
Bad Bunny won Best Latin for NUEVAYoL, Olivia Rodrigo won Best Alternative for The Cure, and Ella Langley won Best Country for Choosin’ Texas.
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