At the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, Taylor Swift and Madonna emerged as the night’s biggest winners. Taylor Swift claimed Video of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia and received the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honor. Madonna won Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best Dance after arriving with 11 nominations. Taylor Swift dedicated the Video of the Year Moon Person to Dolly Parton , praising Parton’s vivid songwriting and generous spirit. Taylor Swift also premiered the Patient Zero music video, which stars Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell . Who Else Took Home a Moon Person? Lisa won Best Pop for Dream featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi, while Sienna Spiro took Best New Artist. Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter won Best Collaboration for Bring Your Love, adding another major moment to Madonna’s already stacked evening. The ceremony also honored music history with tributes to Dolly Parton and George Michael . Kacey Musgraves led the Parton tribute, while Sombr , RAYE , and Teddy Swims performed in Michael’s honor; Nirvana received the Video Vanguard Award.