Taylor Swift sets all-time VMAs record. What awards did she win in 2026? - USA Today

Taylor Swift added another handful of Moon People to her record-setting collection at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

After making her positively "Bejeweled" appearance in Tamara Ralph Sept. 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the pop superstar won three trophies. She also premiered her new "Patient Zero" music video after accepting the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors in celebration of what she estimated were "roughly 60 music videos" she's made in 20 years.

Swift shouted out "the ultimate showgirl," Dolly Parton as she accepted the night's top prize, video of the year, noting that the accomplishment "wouldn't have been possible without her."

Swift, who earlier this year became the youngest female Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, is now the most decorated artist in the show's history, edging out Beyoncé.

Swift went into the night tied with the "Break My Soul" singer at 30 wins, but with her new career total of 33, Swift now holds the title.

"The Fate of Ophelia" songstress was nominated for nine awards this year, second to Madonna, who led the field with 11.

The Artist Director Honor was introduced this year to celebrate "a sustained and influential body of work from artists who have pushed creative boundaries and developed a clear directorial voice."

Bruce Gillmer, the executive producer of the award show, explained to The Associated Press that the Artist Director Honor "really is an extension" of the Video Vanguard Award, which was presented to Nirvana (and accepted by Dave Drohl) this year.

The honor is "in many ways, even larger in stature because it was an idea ... quite frankly, the kernel of the idea came from external. I’ll leave it at that," he added.

Taylor Swift finished the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with 33 career wins. Here is every Moon Person she has won, from most recent to oldest:

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV.