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Lady Gaga took home five MTV Video Music Awards from this year’s socially estranged ceremony, wearing a variety of face masks to accept her trophies.
The singer said wearing a face cover was “a sign of respect” and acknowledged the crushing impact of both coronavirus pandemic and social unrest across America, telling fans that “a renaissance is coming.”
The virtual ceremony was filmed without a live audience and featured prerecorded outdoor performances in front of small audiences across all five boroughs of New York City due to the health crisis.
Chadwick Boseman attended the MTV Movie & TV Awards in 2018
The night of celebration of music and pop culture was dedicated to the star of Black Panther Chadwick Boseman, who died on Friday at age 43 after privately battling colon cancer for four years.
Gaga had led the night with nine nominations, winning Moon Person trophies for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Cinematography, and Best Collaboration for Rain On Me, as well as the first Tricon Award, in recognition of her achievements in music. , fashion and acting.
“I want to share this award with everyone at home tonight. Everyone has their own form of Tricon,” he said.
“This has not been an easy year for many people, but what I see in the world is a great triumph of courage.
“Just because we are separated right now and the culture may feel less alive in some way, I know a renaissance is coming and the wrath of pop culture will inspire you and the fury of art will empower you as you respond to difficulties with its generosity. and love.”
The evening had started with host Keke Palmer telling viewers at home, “Before we get into music tonight, we have to talk about the devastating loss of Chadwick Boseman, an actor whose talent and passion is a true inspiration to all. fans he played and everyone he encountered.
“We dedicate tonight’s show to a man whose spirit touched so many. He is a true hero. Not just on screen, but in everything he did. His impact lives on forever.”
There was also a video tribute to Boseman, which included his appearance at the 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards.
Palmer’s opening monologue also contained references to the tumultuous year, playing the COVID-19 pandemic, plus the Black lives matter movement caused by the death of George Floyd In May.
“We can never tolerate police brutality,” the actress and singer said from a set near the Empire State Building.
“It’s our time to be the change we want to see. We need to come together, and music has that power.”
The world premiere of Gaga and Grande’s Rain On Me
The ceremony also featured a world television premiere, with Gaga and Ariana Grande performing their winning duet together in the evening, both wearing face masks at all times.
Grande also took another joint win for best home music video, for her duet with Justin Bieber, Stuck With U.
Taylor Swift won best directing for the music video The Man, a song about industry sexism, which clearly struck a note among the industry figures who voted for it.
Miley Cyrus performed during the show.
Canadian artist The Weeknd, who was made up to look bruised and bloodied, took home video of the year award for Blinding Lights. It also took home the best R&B video award for the same song.
HER won the video award for good quality for I Can’t Breathe, while K-pop superstars BTS won the award for best pop for On.
Some of this year’s biggest pop culture moments were also seen, with Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s viral WAP music video and Netflix’s Wild Documentary Series Tiger King both mentioned in the ceremony.
The Weeknd was made to look bruised and bloody
Miley Cyrus also debuted with her new single Midnight Sky, referencing her famous Wrecking Ball video swinging on a shiny disco ball.
The Black Eyed Peas closed the proceedings, with one of the group saying “Wakanda forever”, the phrase that encapsulated the black pride generated by Black Panther, as well as “Black Lives Matter”.
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The VMAs marked the first major U.S. awards show to take place during the coronavirus pandemic, and will lead the way for next month’s Emmys.
