Bronte Gossling

Updated September 28, 2026 — 1:08pm,first published September 28, 2026 — 8:51am

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Taylor Swift took out the top moon man at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), ending the ceremony with a nod to the late Dolly Parton as she accepted the coveted Video of the Year accolade for The Fate of Ophelia.

That was Swift’s second win of the night, with her first being the inaugural Artist Directors Honours award, which marked her 31st VMA win overall, breaking her tie with Beyoncé. Swift is now the most-awarded artist in the MTV VMAs history – she walked away with three trophies tonight from 11 nominations in the publicly voted categories.

Taylor Swift won the top award of the night – Video of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia – but it was Madonna who shined.Taylor Swift won the top award of the night – Video of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia – but it was Madonna who shined.AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

Another big winner of the night was Madonna, who was up on stage inside Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre seemingly every five minutes to either accept an award or perform.

“I’m kind of unclear what this award is for, I’m assuming it’s the film,” the Queen of Pop said while accepting Best Dance, asking presenters Troye Sivan and Charli xcx for assistance (the latter confirmed it was for Confessions II – The Film).

Related ArticleTroye Sivan makes a splash as he arrives at the awards.

Madonna walked into the night as its most-nominated artist, securing a nod in 13 categories. Of the eight awards broadcast during the event, she won three of them.

But with 17 awards not presented during the broadcast, the fact Madonna won in another four categories – walking away with seven statuettes – was only established in the post-show wash-up.

Other notable events: Sienna Spiro took out Best New Artist, Nirvana was honoured with the Video Vanguard award, and Lisa (of Blackpink fame) made history as the first K-pop solo artist to win Best Pop.

On the Australian front, it was a little quiet this year. Tame Impala was the only homegrown artist nominated, with Dracula getting a nod in the best alternative category – though Olivia Rodrigo ultimately won that with The Cure.

Here is the full list of winners and nominations at the 2026 MTV VMAs.

Video of the YearWINNER: Taylor Swift, The Fate of OpheliaAriana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love MeBruno Mars, I Just MightGener8ion, Storm starring Yung LeanMadonna, Confessions II – The FilmSabrina Carpenter, TearsBest New ArtistWINNER: Sienna SpiroBella KayCortisMagnus FerrellMalcolm ToddMyles SmithStella LeftyRelated Article Best DanceWINNER: Madonna, Confessions II – The FilmBebe Rexha & Faithless, New ReligionHarry Styles, ApertureLady Gaga & Doechii, RunwayPinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara LarssonSlayyyter, Dance…Tate McRae, Nobody’s GirlArtist of the YearWINNER: MadonnaAriana GrandeBruno MarsMorgan WallenSabrina CarpenterTaylor SwiftBest CollaborationWINNER: Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, Bring Your LoveClipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice, Chains & WhipsFrench Montana x Max B, Ever Since U Left MePinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara LarssonShakira & Burna Boy, Dai DaiTeyana Taylor Campbell & Lucky Daye, Hard PartAn emotional Lisa, of Blackpink fame, accepts the best pop award.An emotional Lisa, of Blackpink fame, accepts the best pop award.Kevin Winter/GettyBest PopWINNER: LISA feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, DreamAriana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love MeCharli xcx, SS26Olivia Rodrigo, Drop DeadSabrina Carpenter, House TourTate McRae, Nobody’s GirlTaylor Swift, The Fate of OpheliaSong of the YearWINNER: BTS, SwimElla Langley, Choosin’ TexasHuntr/X: Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, GoldenMadonna & Sabrina Carpenter, Bring Your LoveOlivia Dean, Man I NeedPinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara LarssonRaye, Where Is My Husband!Related ArticleKevin Parker is still chasing perfection with Tame Impala.Best Hip-HopWINNER: Cardi B feat. Kehlani, SafeDon Toliver, E85Drake, Janice STFUMegan Thee Stallion, Lover GirlTravis Scott, DumboTyler, the Creator, Sugar on My TongueBest R&BWINNER: Bruno Mars, I Just MightChris Brown, It Depends/ObviousDave & Tems, RaindanceJustin Bieber, YukonKehlani, FoldedMariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis, Is It a CrimeBest AlternativeWINNER: Olivia Rodrigo, The CureGeese, TaxesMGK & Fred Durst, Fix Ur FaceNoah Kahan, The Great DivideSombr, HomewreckerTame Impala, DraculaTwenty One Pilots, Drag PathBest LatinWINNER: Bad Bunny, NuevayolAnitta with Shakira, Choka ChokaFuerza Regida, Tu SanchoKarol G, PapasitoRosalía feat. Yahritza Y Su Esencia, La PerlaRyan Castro, Kapo & Gangsta, La VillaShakira & Burna Boy, Dai DaiBest K-PopWINNER: BTS, SwimBlackpink, JumpCortis, RedredKatseye, Pinky UpLe Sserafim feat. J-Hope of BTS, SpaghettiLISA feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, DreamNominee Raye performed twice during the event, including during the tribute to George Michael.Nominee Raye performed twice during the event, including during the tribute to George Michael.AP Photo/Chris PizzelloBest CountryWINNER: Ella Langley, Choosin’ TexasKacey Musgraves, Dry SpellLainey Wilson, Somewhere Over LaredoLuke Combs, Back in the SaddleShaboozey, CowgirlStella Lefty, BostonTucker Wetmore, BrunetteBest DirectionWINNER: Taylor Swift, OpaliteAriana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love MeBruno Mars, I Just MightGener8ion, Storm starring Yung LeanMadonna, Confessions II – The FilmSabrina Carpenter, House TourBest Art DirectionWINNER: PinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara LarssonCharli xcx, SS26Lady Gaga & Doechii, RunwayMadonna, Confessions II – The FilmSombr, My Body Isn’t ReadyTaylor Swift, The Fate of OpheliaRelated ArticleOne of the album covers of Taylor Swift’s upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl.Best CinematographyWINNER: Madonna, Confessions II – The FilmA$AP Rocky, Punk RockyAriana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love MeLisa feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, DreamShaboozey, CowgirlTaylor Swift, The Fate of OpheliaBest EditingWINNER: Sabrina Carpenter, House TourAriana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love MeBruno Mars, I Just MightLisa feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, DreamMadonna, Confessions II – The FilmTaylor Swift, The Fate of OpheliaBest ChoreographyWINNER: Madonna, Confessions II – The FilmGener8ion, Storm starring Yung LeanHarry Styles, Dance No MoreKatseye, Pinky UpTate McRae, Nobody’s GirlTaylor Swift, The Fate of OpheliaYung Lean performed Storm II towards the end of the ceremony.Yung Lean performed Storm II towards the end of the ceremony.AP Photo/Chris PizzelloBest Visual EffectsWINNER: Ariana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love MeJisoo x Zayn, Eyes ClosedMadonna, Confessions II – The FilmPinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara LarssonRaye feat. Hans Zimmer, Click Clack SymphonyTaylor Swift, The Fate of OpheliaBest GroupWINNER: BTSBlackpinkCortisFuerza RegidaGeeseKatseyeTwenty One PilotsBest Long Form VideoWINNER: Madonna, Confessions II – The FilmCharli xcx, Music, Fashion, FilmElla Langley, Choosin’ TexasGener8ion, Storm starring Yung LeanRelated ArticleThe 33-year-old has endured a gruelling few years of public scrutiny. Her new album won’t help.Best AlbumWINNER: Madonna, Confessions IIDrake, IcemanOlivia Dean, The Art of LovingOlivia Rodrigo, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in LoveSabrina Carpenter, Man’s Best FriendTaylor Swift, The Life of a ShowgirlSong of the SummerWINNER: Ariana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love MeBruno Mars, Risk It AllCharli xcx, CameraElla Langley, Choosin’ TexasKatseye, Hootie FruttiLatto feat. Doja Cat, OkayyyMorgan Wallen, Been by NowOlivia Dean, So Easy (To Fall in Love)Olivia Rodrigo, Stupid SongSabrina Carpenter, House TourSlayyyter, Brand New Chanel$Sombr, HomewreckerStella Lefty, BostonTame Impala and Jennie, DraculaTaylor Swift, I Knew It, I Knew You

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Bronte GosslingBronte Gossling is a reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAtoday and Brisbane Times.Connect via email.From our partners