Madonna led the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with seven wins on Sunday night, while Taylor Swift took Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and added two other honors.
The ceremony in Los Angeles also recognized BTS, LISA, Cardi B, Bruno Mars, Olivia Rodrigo and Bad Bunny across major genre categories.
Madonna dominates the night
Madonna won Artist of the Year and Best Dance for “Confessions II – The Film,” while her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter, “Bring Your Love,” won Best Collaboration. Her total for the night reached seven awards.
She also opened the show, marking her first live VMA performance in 23 years.
Taylor Swift wins Video of the Year
Swift won the night’s top video prize for “The Fate of Ophelia.” She also received Best Direction for “Opalite” and the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors.
Paramount and MTV’s official winners list named BTS’ “Swim” Song of the Year, LISA’s “Dream” Best Pop, Cardi B and Kehlani’s “Safe” Best Hip-Hop, and Bruno Mars’ “I Just Might” Best R&B.
Other major winners
Sienna Spiro won Best New Artist, Olivia Rodrigo took Best Alternative, Bad Bunny won Best Latin and BTS was named Best Group in the social categories. Nirvana received the Video Vanguard honor.
Sources: Paramount Press Express and MTV’s official 2026 VMA winners release.
