Every year, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) celebrate the best in all aspects of music video production. This year’s ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 11, at the UBS Arena in New York, drawing a star-studded crowd and eager fans from across the globe. The VMAs have become a hallmark of the music industry, recognizing outstanding achievements in various categories, including Best New Artist, Best Pop Video, and Best Alternative Video. Each year, the event highlights the diverse talents shaping today’s music scene, making it a must-watch for fans and industry insiders alike.

The ceremony was kicked off with a bang as Eminem delivered an electrifying opening performance, reminding everyone of his legendary status in hip-hop. His set featured a medley of iconic hits that got the audience on their feet, creating an atmosphere filled with nostalgia and excitement. Following Eminem, the night continued to shine with performances from other top artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, who brought her energetic stage presence to life, and Chappell Roan, who captivated the audience with her bold style and catchy tunes. The variety of performances showcased the rich tapestry of musical genres present today, from pop and hip-hop to alternative and beyond.

Megan Thee Stallion, the host of the evening, added her own flair to the event with her charismatic presence and witty commentary. Throughout the night, she seamlessly transitioned between presenting awards and making sure that everyone watching was captivated. In a touching tribute to the iconic moments of the VMAs’ history, Megan honored Britney Spears’ unforgettable 2001 performance by incorporating elements of it into her own outfit changes. This nod to the past not only highlighted Megan’s appreciation for music legends, but also emphasized the importance of female empowerment and collaboration in the industry.

As the night progressed, the audience was treated to a dazzling array of performances that exemplified the creativity and artistry of today’s musicians. LL Cool J made a special appearance, blending classic hip-hop vibes with contemporary beats that resonated with fans of all ages. Each artist brought their unique style to the stage, creating an electric atmosphere filled with passion and talent. The VMA stage has historically been a platform for memorable performances, and this year continued that tradition, reminding viewers of the powerful connection between music and its audience.

The awards themselves recognized a wide range of talent, celebrating both newcomers and established artists. Categories such as Best Music Video, Best Collaboration, and Best Trendsetter highlighted the diverse range of voices and styles that have emerged this year. Emotional acceptance speeches filled with gratitude and inspiration underscored the hard work and dedication behind each artist’s journey. The sense of community among the nominees was palpable, illustrating the collaborative spirit that defines the music industry. As the evening drew to a close, the 2024 VMAs stood as a testament to the transformative power of music, leaving fans excited for what the future holds for their favorite artists and the industry as a whole.

Here is the full list of winners:

-Video of the year: Taylor Swift

-Artist of the year: Taylor Swift

-Song of the year: Sabrina Carpenter — “Espresso” 

-Best new artist: Chappell Roan

-MTV PUSH performance of the year: Le Sserafim — “Easy” 

-Best collaboration: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — “Fortnight” 

-Best pop: Taylor Swift

-Best hip-hop: Eminem — “Houdini” 

-Best R&B: SZA — “Snooze” 

-Best alternative: Benson Boone — “Beautiful Things” 

-Best rock: Lenny Kravitz — “Human”

-Best Latin: Anitta — “Mil Veces” 

-Best K-pop: Lisa — “Rockstar” 

-Best Afrobeats: Tyla — “Water” 

-Video for good: Billie Eilish — “What Was I Made For (From The Motion Picture “Barbie”)

-Best direction: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” 

-Best cinematography: Ariana Grande — “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”

-Best visual effects: Eminem — “Houdini” 

-Best choreography: Dua Lipa — “Houdini” 

-Best art direction: Megan Thee Stallion — “BOA”

-Best editing: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” 

-Best trending video: Megan Thee Stallion ft. Yuki Chiba – “Mamushi”

-Best group: Seventeen

-Song of summer: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” 

-VMAs most iconic performance: Katy Perry — “Roar”