Madonna has secured 11 nominations for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, cementing her status as the ceremony's defining figure more than four decades after her debut performance at the inaugural show in 1981. The nominations, announced this week ahead of the awards on Sunday 27 September, stem largely from her album Confessions II and its accompanying short film, and arrive as the singer continues to shape the cultural identity of an event she has repeatedly redefined through landmark performances over the years.

Her nominations span Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Choreography, Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects and Best Editing, alongside Song of the Year and Best Collaboration for "Bring Your Love" featuring Sabrina Carpenter. MTV has also revived its Best Dance category for the first time since 2019, with Confessions II — The Film competing against entries from Harry Styles, Lady Gaga and Doechii, and others. This year's ceremony returns to Los Angeles for the first time since 2017.