The 2026 MTV VMAs: Complete Guide to Watch and Celebrate
From its inception in 1984, the MTV Music Video Awards—commonly known as the VMAs—have spotlighted hundreds of cultural landmarks. Iconic moments include Madonna dashing across the stage in a wedding gown during the debut broadcast, Kanye West seizing Taylor Swift’s microphone in 2009, and Beyoncé announcing her pregnancy in 2011. Each ceremony blends groundbreaking artistic triumphs with memorable controversies.
This year’s edition returns to Los Angeles and adds a Dolly Parton tribute alongside the world premiere of Taylor Swift’s new “Patient Zero” video. Snoop Dogg headlines the show. Beyond the main awards—full nominee lists follow—the event promises performances and homages honoring artists pivotal to MTV’s rise in the 1980s and 1990s. Highlights feature a George Michael tribute, a Madonna set, and an Nirvana segment celebrating the inaugural Video Vanguard award. Longtime viewers may miss earlier generations, yet this lineup emphasizes contemporary stars acclaimed for decades.
When and where to watch the 2026 MTV VMAs
The ceremony takes place on Sunday, September 27, from 7:30–9:30 p.m. ET (4:30–6:30 p.m. PT). It beams simultaneously on MTV and CBS and streams live on Paramount Plus Premium. Paramount Plus Essential subscribers may also access the broadcast on‑demand the following day.
How to stream the 2026 MTV VMAs on Paramount Plus
The live feed appears exclusively on Paramount Plus Premium, the ad‑free tier providing access to real‑time television. Members of the ad‑supported Tier can download the full ceremony for later viewing.
Who is hosting the 2026 MTV VMAs?
Snoop Dogg, a 13‑time nominee himself, will host the 2026 MTV VMAs.
Who is performing at the 2026 VMAs?
A roster of notable artists includes GENER8ION, Gunna, LISA, Raye, Shaboozey, Sienna Spiro, and Yung Lean, who will all take the stage. Additionally, Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims are confirmed for the George Michael tribute, while Taylor Swift receives the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors for her contributions behind the camera this season.
2026 VMA Nominees
Video of the Year
- Ariana Grande: Hate that I made you love me
- Bruno Mars: I Just Might
- GENER8ION: STORM starring Yung Lean
- Madonna: Confessions II – The Film
- Sabrina Carpenter: Tears
- Taylor Swift: The Fate of Ophelia
Artist of the Year
- Ariana Grande – Republic Records
- Bruno Mars – Atlantic Records
- Madonna – Warner Records
- Morgan Wallen – Big Loud/Mercury Records
- Sabrina Carpenter – Island
- Taylor Swift – Republic Records
Song of the Year
- BTS: Swim
- Ella Langley: Japonisin’ Texas
- HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI: Golden
- Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter: Bring Your Love
- Olivia Dean: Man I Need
- PinkPantheress: Stateside + Zara Larsson
- RAYE: WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
Best New Artist
- Bella Kay – Atlantic Records
- CORTIS – BIGHIT MUSIC
- Magnus Ferrell – Visva Records/Republic Records
- Malcolm Todd – Columbia Records
- Myles Smith – RCA Records
- Sienna Spiro – Capitol Records
- Stella Lefty – Sandlot/Atlantic Outpost
Best Collaboration
- Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice: Chains & Whips
- French Montana x Max B: Ever Since U Left Me
- Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter: Bring Your Love
- PinkPantheress: Stateside + Zara Larsson
- Shakira & Burna Boy: Dai Dai
- Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye: Hard Part
Best Pop
- Ariana Grande: Hate that I made you love me
- Charli xcx: SS26
- LISA: Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi
- Olivia Rodrigo: Drop dead
- Sabrina Carpenter: House Tour
- Tate McRae: Nobody’s Girl
- Taylor Swift: The Fate of Ophelia
Best Hip‑Hop
- Cardi B ft. Kehlani: Safe
- Don Toliver: E85
- Drake: Janice STFU
- Megan Thee Stallion: LOVER GIRL
- Travis Scott: DUMBO
- Tyler, The Creator: SUGAR ON MY TONGUE
Best R&B
- Bruno Mars: I Just Might
- Chris Brown: It Depends/Obvious
- Dave & Tems: Raindance
- Justin Bieber: YUKON
- Kehlani: Folded
- Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis: Is It a Crime
Best Alternative
- Geese: Taxes
- mgk & Fred Durst: FIX UR FACE
- Noah Kahan: The Great Divide
- Olivia Rodriguez: the cure
- SOMBR: Homewrecker
- Tame Impala: Dracula
- twenty one pilots: Drag Path
Best Dance
- Bebe Rexha & Faithless: New Religion
- Harry Styles: Aperture
- Lady Gaga & Doechii: RUNWAY
- Madonna: Confessions II – The Film
- PinkPantheress: Stateside + Zara Larsson
- Slayyyter: DANCE…
- Tate McRae: Nobody’s Girl
Best Latin
- Anitta with Shakira: Choka Choka
- Bad Bunny: NUEVAYoL
- Fuerza Regida: TU SANCHO
- KAROL G: Papasito
- Rosalía ft. Yahritza Y Su Esencia: La Perla
- Ryan Castro, Kapo & GANGSTA: LA VILLA
- Shakira & Burna Boy: Dai Dai
Best K‑Pop
- BLACKPINK: JUMP
- BTS: SWIM
- CORTIS: REDRED
- KATSEYE: PINKY UP
- LE SSERAFIM (feat. j-hope of BTS): SPAGHETTI
- LISA: Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi
Best Country
- Ella Langley: Japonisin’ Texas
- Kacey Musgraves: Dry Spell
- Lainey Wilson: Somewhere Over Laredo
- Luke Combs: Back in the Saddle
- Shaboozey: Cowgirl
- Stella Lefty: Boston
- Tucker Wetmore: Brunette
Best Direction
- Ariana Grande: Hate that I made you love me
- Bruno Mars: I Just Might
- GENER8ION: STORM starring Yung Lean
- Madonna: Confessions II – The Film
- Sabrina Carpenter: House Tour
- Taylor Swift: Opalite
Best Art Direction
- Charli xcx: SS26
- Lady Gaga & Doechii: RUNWAY
- Madonna: Confessions II – The Film
- PinkPantheress: Stateside + Zara Larsson
- SOMBR: My Body Isn’t Ready
- Taylor Swift: The Fate of Ophelia
Best Cinematography
- A$AP Rocky: PUNK ROCKY
- Ariana Grande: Hate that I made you love me
- LISA: Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi
- Madonna: Confessions II – The Film
- Shaboozey: Cowgirl
- Taylor Swift: The Fate of Ophelia
Best Editing
- Ariana Grande: Hate that I made you love me
- Bruno Mars: I Just Might
- LISA: Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi
- Madonna: Confessions II – The Film
- Sabrina Carpenter: House Tour
- Taylor Swift: The Fate of Ophelia
Best Choreography
- GENER8ION: STORM, starring Yung Lean
- Harry Styles: Dance No More
- KATSEYE: PINKY UP
- Madonna: Confessions II – The Film
- Tate McRae: Nobody’s Girl
- Taylor Swift: The Fate of Ophelia
Best Visual Effects
- Ariana Grande: Hate that I made you love me
- JISOO X ZAYN: Eyes Closed
- Madonna: Confessions II – The Film
- PinkPantheress: Stateside + Zara Larsson
- RAYE ft. Hans Zimmer: Click Clack Symphony
- Taylor Swift: The Fate of Ophelia
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