Taylor Swift to be honored at 2026 MTV Video Music Awards: What to know about the awards show
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are just days away, and Taylor Swift has a surprise up her sleeve.
Ahead of the awards show, CBS and MTV announced that Swift will unveil the music video for her new single "Patient Zero" during the show.
The song is part of Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore" out on Friday. The music video, directed by Swift, will feature Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson, according to a press release.
The music video's VMAs debut is especially fitting, as Swift will also be honored with the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors.
A press release states that the new award recognizes "groundbreaking music artists whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling."
The award also "celebrates a sustained and influential body of work from artists who have pushed creative boundaries and developed a clear directorial voice," the press release states.
Swift previously received nine nods ahead of Sunday's awards show, including video of the year and artist of the year.
Read on for everything you need to know about 2026 MTV VMAs.
When are the MTV Video Music Awards?
Fans can see who will win a moon person on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.
The 2026 VMAs will broadcast live from Los Angeles on CBS, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+.
Who is nominated?
Along with Swift, artists who are nominated this year include Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, GENER8ION, LISA, PinkPantheress, Sabrina Carpenter and Shakira.
Madonna leads this year's field with 11 total nominations, including song of the year and best collaboration for "Bring Your Love" with Sabrina Carpenter, video of the year for "Confessions II - The Film," artist of the year, and best dance.
See the full list of nominations here.
Who is hosting?
Earlier this month, CBS and MTV announced that Snoop Dogg would host the awards show for the first time ever. The rapper is a three-time VMAs winner.
In a statement shared in a press release at the time, Snoop Dogg said, "MTV and the VMAs have been part of my story since the beginning."
He continued, "Some of the biggest moments of my career happened on that stage and on MTV -- they gave hip hop a place to be loud, fearless and seen by the whole world. So to come back now and host the VMAs, all these years later, that's a full-circle moment for me."
Who is performing?
Last week, it was announced that Madonna would open the 2026 MTV VMAs. The performance will mark her first live performance at the VMAs in 23 years.
The last time she took the VMAs stage was in 2003, when she opened the ceremony alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott. The iconic performance featured her famous onstage kisses with Spears and Aguilera.
Other VMAs performers this year include LISA, GENER8ION, RAYE, Shaboozey and Gunna, and Sienna Spiro.
What tributes will take place?
Earlier this week, CBS and MTV announced that a special tribute to Dolly Parton will take place with a performance by Kacey Musgraves. Musgraves' performance will mark her first at the VMAs in five years.
RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims will also take the stage to perform a tribute to George Michael. The performance comes 40 years after Michael's album, "Faith," and ahead of the worldwide release of "George Michael: The Faith Tour."
Who is receiving the Video Vanguard Award?
Nirvana will be honored at this year's VMAs, nearly 35 years after their first VMAs performance. The group will receive the Video Vanguard Award, a lifetime achievement prize given by MTV to a musician or artist for their impact on music video culture and pop culture.
Last year, the Video Vanguard Award was given to Mariah Carey.
