Video Vanguard Award, Nominees, Winner List, and More
by Keerthana | Updated Aug 31, 2023
Video Vanguard Award
The Video Vanguard Award, also known as the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, previously known as the Lifetime Achievement Award, is a prestigious honor presented to recording artists and music video directors during the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Established in 1984, this award celebrates individuals' remarkable contributions and profound impact on both music videos and popular culture.
Presented by MTV, the award features a gold-plated "moonman" trophy, setting it apart from the silver trophies awarded in other VMA categories. The inaugural VMAs recognized The Beatles and director Richard Lester with the Video Vanguard Award for their pioneering work in music videos. Subsequently, Madonna became the first female recipient in 1986, and the award was renamed after Michael Jackson in 1991 to honor his groundbreaking contributions to video artistry.
Initially known as the Lifetime Achievement Award, the honor was bestowed upon Duran Duran in 2003 and director Hype Williams in 2006, when it was called the Video Vanguard Award. Following Michael Jackson's passing, his name was reinstated on the award in 2011, reflecting his revolutionary achievements in video art.
However, the use of his name has been met with controversy, particularly after the release of the documentary "Leaving Neverland," which detailed allegations of child sexual abuse against Jackson. Despite the controversy, the award continues to recognize iconic figures in the music industry.
Notably, the most recent recipient of the award was Nicki Minaj at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards. Throughout its history, the Video Vanguard Award has been conferred upon 35 distinguished artists, primarily of American and British Commonwealth origin, and has often been associated with the recipients' exceptional contributions to music and culture.
Video Vanguard Award Winners List
Year
Recipient
Nationality
1984
The Beatles
United Kingdom
Richard Lester
United States
David Bowie
United Kingdom
1985
David Byrne
United Kingdom
Russell Mulcahy
Australia
Godley & Creme
United Kingdom
1986
Madonna *
United States
Zbigniew Rybczyński
Poland
1987
Peter Gabriel *
United Kingdom
Julien Temple
United Kingdom
1988
Michael Jackson
United States
1989
George Michael
United Kingdom
1990
Janet Jackson
United States
1991
Bon Jovi
United States
Wayne Isham
United States
1992
Guns N' Roses
United States
1994
The Rolling Stones
United Kingdom
Tom Petty
United States
1995
R.E.M. *
United States
1997
LL Cool J
United States
Mark Romanek
United States
1998
Beastie Boys
United States
2000
Red Hot Chili Peppers
United States
2001
U2
Ireland
2003
Duran Duran
United Kingdom
2006
— Hype Williams
United States
2011
Britney Spears *
United States
2013
Justin Timberlake *
United States
2014
Beyoncé *
United States
2015
Kanye West
United States
2016
Rihanna *
Barbados
2017
Pink *
United States
2018
Jennifer Lopez
United States
2019
Missy Elliott *
United States
2022
Nicki Minaj
Trinidad and Tobago
Video Vanguard Award Nominees
The prestigious Video Vanguard Award, a recognition of outstanding contributions and influence in the realm of music, video, and popular culture, has been bestowed upon several remarkable artists. The list of Lifetime Video Vanguard Award recipients includes iconic figures like Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, Missy Elliott, Kanye West, Madonna, and Jennifer Lopez. These trailblazers have left an indelible mark on the world of music and visuals, contributing significantly to its evolution and cultural impact.
Looking ahead to the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) nomiees Taylor Swift emerges as the frontrunner among the nominees, boasting an impressive eight nominations. Not far behind, SZA secures six nominations, while artists like Doja Cat, Kim Petras, Sam Smith, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, and Nicki Minaj each capture five nominations, showcasing the diverse and vibrant talent present in the music industry.
Set to take place on September 12th at the Prudential Center for the second consecutive year, the MTV Video Music Awards promise an evening of celebration and recognition. This year's event will mark the VMAs' triumphant return to the Newark, New Jersey, venue, solidifying its status as a highly anticipated annual spectacle in the music world
Video Vanguard Award 2023 Shakira
At the upcoming 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Shakira is set to make history by becoming the first South American artist to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award. This recognition honors her outstanding contributions and profound impact on music, video, and popular culture. Born in Colombia, Shakira will also become the second Latina artist to receive this award, following Jennifer Lopez, who was honored five years earlier.
The Video Vanguard Award has seen a strong female presence in recent years, with recipients like Rihanna, Pink, Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliott, and Nicki Minaj. Shakira's achievement marks a significant milestone in her career, as she follows in the footsteps of these iconic artists.
Notably, Shakira is not only receiving this esteemed award but also taking the stage for a performance at the VMAs. This year's ceremony will mark her first performance on the VMA stage in 17 years. This tradition has been established since Justin Timberlake's 2013 performance, where recipients of the Video Vanguard Award deliver extended performances, often featuring a medley of their greatest hits.
In addition to her recognition and performance, Shakira's impressive year is underscored by her chart-topping achievements. Her collaboration with Karol G, "TQG," debuted and peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023. Furthermore, Shakira has set an impressive array of Guinness World Records, including the most streamed Latin track on Spotify in 24 hours and the fastest Latin track to reach 100 million views on YouTube.
This recognition acknowledges Shakira's global influence and trailblazing role in leading the globalization of Latin music. The 2023 VMAs will take place at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on September 12, showcasing Shakira's remarkable achievements and contributions to the music industry.
Video Vanguard Award - FAQs
The Video Vanguard Award is a prestigious honor presented at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) to artists and directors who have made significant contributions to music videos and pop culture.
Notable winners include Madonna, Britney Spears, Kanye West, Jennifer Lopez, and Missy Elliott, among others, who have left an indelible mark on the music and entertainment industry.
Nominees for the Video Vanguard Award are typically chosen based on their impact, innovation, and influence on music videos and pop culture.
Taylor Swift takes the lead with eight nominations for the 2023 VMAs, showcasing her continued dominance in the music scene.
The 2023 VMAs are set to return on September 12th to the Prudential Center, marking the third occasion the event has been hosted at the Newark, N.J., venue.