The stars are arriving for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, with nominees, presenters and performers walking the red carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles ahead of Sunday night’s ceremony.
Host Snoop Dogg is also joining the arrivals before taking charge of the show. Viewers can watch the red carpet livestream below as the event’s guests make their way into the venue.
Watch the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet livestream:
Madonna leads the 2026 VMA nominations
Madonna enters the ceremony with a field-leading 13 nominations. Taylor Swift follows with 11, while Sabrina Carpenter has nine and Ariana Grande has eight. Bruno Mars rounds out the five most-nominated artists with seven.
Madonna is also part of the night’s performance lineup, marking her first performance on the VMAs stage in more than 20 years.
The scheduled performers also include Lisa, Shaboozey, Raye, Sienna Spiro, Kacey Musgraves, Teddy Swims, SOMBR, GENER8ION, Gunna and Yung Lean, among others.
Taylor Swift and Nirvana set for special honors
Beyond the competitive categories, the VMAs will introduce a new distinction during this year’s ceremony. Swift has been selected to receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors.
Nirvana will receive the Video Vanguard Award. The broadcast will also feature special tributes to Dolly Parton and George Michael.
Producer Van Toffler has described the planned ceremony as “a kick-ass, fast-paced show.” He also suggested that Snoop Dogg’s ability to connect with a wide range of guests will shape his approach to hosting.
“There’s no cooler human on the planet,” Toffler said. “He’s so facile with movie stars and music stars and celebrities and athletes. Everyone’s comfortable with him. I think that interplay with the performers will be a big part of the show.”
How to watch the 2026 MTV VMAs
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards air Sunday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT on CBS and MTV.
In the United States, the ceremony will also stream on the Premium tier of Paramount+. Global viewers will be able to watch the show the following day on Paramount+ and MTV.
What Happens Next?
Following the red carpet arrivals, Snoop Dogg will lead the ceremony as this year’s performers take the stage and the winners receive MTV’s “Moon Person” trophies. The night will also bring the presentation of Swift’s inaugural Artist Director Honors, Nirvana’s Video Vanguard Award and the planned tributes to Parton and Michael.