Madonna Sweeps Seven VMAs as Taylor Swift Takes Video of the Year: The Biggest Winners Revealed

Madonna finished the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with seven trophies, but Taylor Swift claimed Video of the Year for 'The Fate of Ophelia', splitting the headline honours between two of pop's biggest names.

The ceremony, held at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater on 27 September and hosted by Snoop Dogg, also delivered major wins for BTS, LISA and Sienna Spiro. Madonna led the overall tally, while Swift combined two competitive victories with a newly introduced honour recognising her work behind the camera.

Madonna Leads With Seven Awards

Madonna took Artist of the Year and shared Best Collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter for 'Bring Your Love'. Her 'Confessions II – The Film' collected Best Dance, Best Cinematography, Best Choreography and Best Long Form Video, while Confessions II won Best Album.

The results gave her the largest haul of the night, with recognition extending from her collaboration with Carpenter to the visual production accompanying her music.

The awards accompanied a significant stage return. Madonna opened the ceremony in her first live VMAs performance in 23 years, following her 2003 appearance with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

Her relationship with the show stretches back to its inaugural ceremony in 1984, when she performed 'Like a Virgin'. This year's return paired that history with recognition for her current work, rather than a retrospective honour alone.

Taylor Swift Claims Video of the Year

Swift won Video of the Year for 'The Fate of Ophelia' and Best Direction for 'Opalite', giving her competitive victories for two different videos. She also received the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors.

The new distinction recognises musicians whose directing has advanced music videos and visual storytelling. In announcing the award, organisers highlighted Swift's work on projects including 'The Man', 'All Too Well: The Short Film', 'Anti-Hero' and 'Fortnight'.

That made the ceremony a showcase for both sides of Swift's career: the artist appearing on screen and the director shaping what audiences see. The special honour was separate from the competitive Best Direction category, which rewarded an individual video.

BTS Take Three Trophies, LISA Wins Best Pop

BTS collected Song of the Year and Best K-Pop for 'Swim', plus Best Group, winning all three categories in which they were nominated. Their results extended beyond the genre category, securing recognition for both the song and the act.

LISA took Best Pop for 'Dream', featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi, adding another prominent result for a BLACKPINK member performing as a solo artist. Together, the results ensured the winners' story reached well beyond the Madonna and Swift headline pairing.

Sienna Spiro Gives Britain a Breakthrough Moment

British singer Sienna Spiro won Best New Artist on the night she made her VMAs performance debut. She sang 'Great Expectation' while standing on a giant record-player set, giving viewers a theatrical introduction to her music.

The show also recognised a different generation of performers. Nirvana received the Video Vanguard Award, while Kacey Musgraves led a tribute to Dolly Parton. RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims joined forces for a George Michael tribute.

Those performances widened the programme beyond the competitive awards, placing emerging talent alongside tributes to established stars and recognition of the artists who helped shape the music-video era.