MTV VMAs 2025: What Is the Video Vanguard Award, Anyway?

Every year at the MTV VMAs, there’s one moment that isn’t about fan votes, beefs, or who wore what on the red carpet. It’s the Video Vanguard Award. And if you’re wondering what that actually means, you’re not alone. The Vanguard is kind of like the VMAs’ version of a lifetime achievement award: but make it music videos, legacy, and gold-plated glory.

First introduced in 1984, this award celebrates artists (and sometimes directors) who’ve changed the game visually. Think iconic videos, unforgettable aesthetics, and creative risks that made you hit replay 47 times. Technically, it was renamed the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award in 1991 (in honor of MJ’s music video revolution), according to Boardroom, but MTV’s been pretty back-and-forth about using that name in recent years. Either way, if you get this thing, it means your music videos didn’t just entertain… they defined an era.

It’s the Moon Person Award

While most VMAs hand out silver Moon People, the Vanguard winner gets a shiny gold version. Yep, it’s literally the only gilded statue of the night. Past recipients include some seriously stacked icons: Madonna, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, and Shakira. 

Katy Perry grabbed the honor last year (2024), if you’re keeping score.

It’s the award moment where nobody gets cut off by music and no speeches get rushed. We’re talking full retrospectives, live medleys of greatest hits, and the kind of stage production that makes your jaw drop. Basically, the Vanguard moment is where MTV stops the chaos and says: Respect.

Also? It’s not just for nostalgia. It’s about honoring artists who’ve shifted the culture and made visuals a critical part of their storytelling.

Why It Still Matters in 2025

The MTV VMAs love a viral moment, but the Vanguard brings the heart. It’s the reminder that music videos matter; that they shape fandoms, shift trends, and leave a visual legacy. With the 2025 show hitting UBS Arena in New York on September 7, 2025 fans are already buzzing about who could be next. Will it be Lady Gaga, who leads this year’s nominations? Or maybe someone overdue like Pink or Usher?

Whoever it is, expect a performance. Expect drama. Expect TikTok to explode. Because when MTV hands out the gold Moon Person, it’s not just a throwback; it’s a flex. 

And if you want to have your say in the other categories, you can cast daily votes on MTV’s official site right up until the show… because bragging rights feel even better when you helped make it happen.