Taylor Swift dazzled at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, clinching the night's most prestigious accolade—Video of the Year—for her song “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone. This win added to an already impressive tally, marking a record-breaking achievement for the superstar.
Swift's triumph at the VMAs was marked by her winning seven awards this year, bringing her total to 30 and tying her with Beyoncé for the most VMA wins in history. Her video for “Fortnight” not only earned her the top honor but also set new benchmarks in VMA history.
A Historic Night
Receiving the Video of the Year award from host Megan Thee Stallion, Swift took the stage to express her gratitude. She acknowledged the hard work of everyone involved in the making of the music video, including cameos from Post Malone, Ethan Hawke, and Josh Charles, as well as key contributors like cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and production designer Ethan Tobman.
“Directing this video and putting it together was a wonderful experience, thanks to everyone who worked on it,” Swift said in her acceptance speech. She highlighted the contrast between the video's somber tone and the fun of its creation, sharing a heartfelt moment with her audience.
Swift also took a moment to honor her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who supported her throughout the filming. “Whenever I finished a take, I'd hear someone cheering from across the studio. That was my boyfriend, Travis,” she revealed, drawing cheers from the crowd. “Everything he touches turns to happiness and magic, and I'm grateful for that.”
Breaking Records
Swift's win for “Fortnight” added to her already impressive list of achievements in the VMA Video of the Year category. She has previously won for “Bad Blood,” “You Need to Calm Down,” “All Too Well: The Short Film,” and “Anti-hero.” With her victory this year, she became the first artist to win the Video of the Year award three years in a row, having also secured it for “Anti-hero” and “All Too Well: The Short Film” in previous years.
Additionally, Swift extended her record for the most VMA wins in the Video of the Year category for videos she directed or co-directed. Her work on “You Need to Calm Down,” “All Too Well: The Short Film,” and “Anti-hero” also contributed to her unprecedented success.
A Year of Triumph
Earlier in the evening, while accepting her Best Collaboration award with Post Malone for “Fortnight,” Swift paid tribute to the 9/11 attacks, reflecting on the significance of the night. “Everything that happens tonight falls behind that,” she said.
Swift's 2024 has been marked by significant achievements beyond the VMAs. She won the Grammy for Album of the Year for Midnights, released her 11th studio album The Tortured Poets Department, which topped the Billboard 200 for 15 non-consecutive weeks, and continued her successful Eras Tour, which will wrap up in North America later this year.
The 2024 VMAs, hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, were held at Long Island's UBS Arena, where Swift's remarkable achievements underscored a night of celebration and acclaim.
