Taylor Swift to Receive Inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors at “VMAs”

“VMAs” Will Simulcast on MTV and Stream on Paramount+

First-Ever Award to Recognize Artists Whose Directorial Work Has Advanced the Art of Music Video and Storytelling

CBS and MTV announced that Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors at the 2026 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (“VMAs”), a new award recognizing groundbreaking music artists whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling. Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the “VMAs” will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27 (7:30-9:30 PM, ET/4:30-6:30 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S. The show will also be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.

The MTV VMA Artist Director Honors celebrates a sustained and influential body of work from artists who have pushed creative boundaries and developed a clear directorial voice.

A seven-time “VMAs” Best Director nominee and four-time winner, Swift has emerged as one of the most distinctive directors of her generation, using music video as an extension of her songwriting and developing a visual language that blends narrative, symbolism, humor and autobiographical themes. Her directing work includes videos and films such as “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Opalite,” “The Man,” “cardigan,” “willow,” “All Too Well: The Short Film,” “Anti-Hero,” “Bejeweled,” “Fortnight (feat. Post Malone),” “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault),” “Karma (feat. Ice Spice)” and “Lavender Haze.”

Across her work, Swift has brought an increasingly expansive approach to storytelling, creating interconnected narratives, cinematic worlds and recurring details that invite audiences deeper into each project. The inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors recognizes that body of work, while also underscoring the growing role artists play in shaping how their music is brought to life on screen.

Additional performers, presenters and special guests to be revealed later this week. Follow @CBS, @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all things #VMAs.