Published on
Taylor Swift has broken yet another record by becoming the most-awarded artist in MTV VMA history.
The mega popstar picked up the inaugural Artist Director Honors on Sunday night in recognition of artists “whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling.”
“I got to start making music videos and being a part of music videos 20 years ago,” Swift said in her speech, adding that she’s been involved in making roughly 60 music videos, 18 of which she wrote and directed.
Swift also debuted the music video she directed for her latest song ‘Patient Zero’ which stars actors Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson.
Swift, who was previously tied with Beyoncé for titles with 30 VMAs each, also went home with the top prize of the night – video of the year – for ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ from her album ‘The Life of a Showgirl.’
Madonna wins big
The other major winner of the night was Madonna who kicked off the proceedings by performing her single ‘Bring Your Love’ alongside Sabrina Carpenter. The pair won the award for best collaboration for the song.
If her aim was to bring the dance floor to the award show stage, Madonna did exactly that in her opening number — and then some, when Charli xcx emerged from a club bathroom to perform their reworked version of ‘Danceteria.’ Around them? A trove of dancers and various famous friends, including actor Debi Mazar, Sombr and Julia Garner.
Madonna also won the coveted artist of the year award and completed her hat-trick with the best dance honour.
“First of all, I would like to thank my fingers because I can always count on them,” she said on collecting the artist of the year trophy.
Dolly dedication
Picking up the award, Swift heaped praise on the late, great country singer Dolly Parton whom she described as the “ultimate showgirl.”
Parton, whose soaring vibrato vocals, emotive songwriting and sparkling costumes defined her rise from a log cabin in the Tennessee mountains to the height of stardom and acclaim, died in Nashville of cancer last month. She was 80.
“I think we were all very lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time,” Swift said.
Other stars also paid tribute to Parton with a string of performances and covers of her most well known tracks. Kacey Musgraves sang ‘I Will Always Love You’ while Raye delivered a medley of her throwback soul, including ‘I Will Overcome’ and ‘Where Is My Husband!’
Bruno Mars slowed things down with ‘Dance With Me.’ Shaboozey launched into his saloon single ‘Cowgirl,’ before being joined by Gunna for some hybrid country-rap with their crossover track, ‘High Noon.’
Night of Nirvana
One of the most coveted prizes, the Video Vanguard Award, went to legendary grunge band, Nirvana.
The honour was presented to surviving members Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl and Pat Smear. Frontman Kurt Cobain died in 1994.
“They were completely original and always fearless at a time when the status quo kind of got to the point of being formulaic,” Public Enemy rapper Chuck D said when presenting the award.
“Kurt was one of one,” Novoselic said in their acceptance speech, adding that the band never imagined its sound and aesthetic would resonate with so many people. He said the music continues to endure because people are still hungry for “something real, something uncompromising” and a message that “it’s just OK to come as you are.”