The MTV Video Music Awards are once again upon us, honoring both the video stars of the past year and in the long legacy of the formerly music-centric network.
This year’s list of nominees feature some of music’s biggest acts of the moment, but an iconic veteran is the one heading into the night with the most nods. Plus, one of the most important bands in the history of rock is set to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award.
For everything you need to know about the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards — including how to watch and who is nominated — keep on reading.
The Video Vanguard Award
MTV has announced that grunge rock legends Nirvana will receive the 2026 Video Vanguard Award. The news broke on Sept. 9, 34 years to the day that the band first appeared on the VMA stage.
The designation for the band breaks a streak of only female artists receiving the award, going to back to Kanye West in 2015. Last year, Mariah Carey was on hand and performed before accepting the honor.
The Nominees
Madonna leads all nominated artists with 11 nods across categories. She’s followed by Taylor Swift with nine and Ariana Grande with seven.
You can find the full list of nominees for the fan-voted award show here.
How to Watch
Despite being the “MTV” Video Music Awards, the broadcast of the show isn’t limited to the cable network. The VMAs will air Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT on CBS and will be simulcast on both MTV and Paramount+.
