Madonna leads the nominations for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with 11 nods, followed by Taylor Swift with nine, as the awards show prepares to return to Los Angeles in September.
The nominations announced Tuesday put Madonna and Swift in competition for both video of the year and artist of the year. Madonna’s “Confessions II – The Film” is nominated for video of the year, while Swift is nominated for “The Fate of Ophelia.” Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, GENER8ION, and Sabrina Carpenter round out the video of the year field.
Madonna, who has won 19 competitive VMAs, received nominations across major and technical categories, including song of the year, best collaboration, best dance, direction, cinematography, editing, and choreography. Swift, who has 30 Moon Person trophies, is also nominated in categories including best pop, direction, art direction, and visual effects.
Grande and Carpenter received seven nominations each. Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson received five apiece, while LISA earned four nominations. Shakira and Tate McRae each received three.
The artist of the year category features Grande, Mars, Madonna, Morgan Wallen, Carpenter, and Swift. Song of the year nominees include BTS’ “Swim,” Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas,” HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” Madonna and Carpenter’s “Bring Your Love,” Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need,” PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson’s “Stateside,” and RAYE’s “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”
In the hip-hop field, Cardi B and Kehlani are nominated for “Safe,” alongside Don Toliver’s “E85,” Drake’s “Janice STFU,” Megan Thee Stallion’s “LOVER GIRL,” Travis Scott’s “DUMBO” and Tyler The Creator’s “SUGAR ON MY TONGUE.” Don Toliver is among this year’s first-time VMA nominees.
The best R&B category includes Bruno Mars’ “I Just Might,” Chris Brown’s “It Depends/Obvious,” Dave and Tems’ “Raindance,” Justin Bieber’s “YUKON,” Kehlani’s “Folded,” and Mariah the Scientist and Kali Uchis’ “Is It a Crime.” Mars’ R&B nomination is one of five he received this year, while Kali Uchis is among the artists competing for their first Moon Person.
The best dance category is returning for the first time in seven years. Nominees include Bebe Rexha and Faithless, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga and Doechii, Madonna, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson, Slayyyter and McRae.
Other genre races include BTS, BLACKPINK, CORTIS, KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM, and LISA for best K-pop; Bad Bunny, KAROL G, Shakira, and others for best Latin; and Ella Langley, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Shaboozey, Stella Lefty, and Tucker Wetmore for best country.
Fan voting is open in 13 categories through Sept. 25, with best new artist voting continuing into the show.
The 2026 VMAs are scheduled to air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern on CBS, with a simulcast on MTV. The show will also stream on Paramount+ under certain subscription plans and will be available internationally the following day.
