Madonna leads the 2026 MTV VMA nominations
Madonna has earned 11 nominations at the 2026 MTV VMAs, making her the most-nominated artist this year. Her music film “Confessions II – The Film” received recognition across several major and technical categories.
The 14-minute film competes for Video of the Year, Best Dance, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Choreography and Best Visual Effects.
Madonna has enjoyed several memorable moments at the VMAs. In 1984, she made headlines with her “Like a Virgin” performance on top of a giant wedding cake.
MTV later recognised that performance among its Most Iconic Performance nominees in 2024. Madonna also led the VMA nominations in 1990 and 1998, earning nine nods in both years.
In 1998, she won Video of the Year for “Ray of Light”, marking her first victory in the category.
Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter
Taylor Swift follows Madonna with nine nominations. Her Shakespeare-inspired song “The Fate of Ophelia” earned recognition in several major and technical categories.
The track competes for Video of the Year and Best Pop. Meanwhile, its music video earned nominations for Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Choreography and Best Visual Effects.
Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each received seven nominations. Grande’s “hate that i made you love me” competes for Video of the Year and Best Pop.
In addition, Grande received nominations for Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Visual Effects. She is also in the running for Artist of the Year.
Carpenter competes for Video of the Year with “Tears”. Her “House Tour” also earned nominations for Best Pop, Best Direction and Best Editing.
Other artists in the 2026 MTV VMA nominations
Women dominate the top four spots, but several male artists are also competing for major awards.
Bruno Mars received five nominations, including Video of the Year for “I Just Might”, Artist of the Year and Best R&B. The video also competes for Best Direction and Best Editing.
Morgan Wallen is nominated for Artist of the Year. Meanwhile, K-pop group BTS earned nominations for Song of the Year with “Swim” and Best K-pop.
Elsewhere, Bad Bunny competes for Best Latin. Drake and Travis Scott are both nominated for Best Hip-Hop.
Justin Bieber earned a Best R&B nomination, while Harry Styles competes for Best Dance and Best Choreography.
READ NEXT: TV news: “Only Murders in the Building” brings the mystery to London in star-studded Season 6
