MTV Video of the Year Awards, 1984-2023

MTV: Videos of the Year, 1984-2023

Three years after the birth of music television with MTV, the network introduced its annual video awards. While multiple categories were established, this page recognizes just those songs which won for Video of the Year. Originally winners were determined by a panel of music video directors, producers, and record company executives, but viewers have voted on the winners since 2006. Check out other “songs of the year” lists here. 2023: Taylor Swift “Anti-Hero” 2022: Taylor Swift “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” 2021: Lil Nas X “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” 2020: The Weeknd “Blinding Lights” 2019: Taylor Swift “You Need to Calm Down” 2018: Camila Cabello with Young Thug “Havana” 2017: Kendrick Lamar “Humble” 2016: Beyoncé “Formation” 2015: Taylor Swift with Kendrick Lamar “Bad Blood” 2014: Miley Cyrus “Wrecking Ball” 2013: Justin Timberlake “Mirrors” 2012: Rihanna with Calvin Harris “We Found Love” 2011: Katy Perry “Firework” 2010: Lady Gaga “Bad Romance” 2009: Beyoncé “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” 2008: Britney Spears “Piece of Me” 2007: Rihanna with Jay-Z “Umbrella” 2006: Panic! At the Disco “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” 2005: Green Day “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” 2004: OutKast “Hey Ya!” 2003: Missy Elliott “Work It” 2002: Eminem “Without Me” 2001: Christina Aguilera, Pink, Lil’ Kim & Mya “Lady Marmalade” 2000: Eminem “The Real Slim Shady” 1999: Lauryn Hill “Doo Wop (That Thing)” 1998: Madonna “Ray of Light” 1997: Jamiroquai “Virtual Insanity” 1996: Smashing Pumpkins “Tonight Tonight” 1995: TLC “Waterfalls” 1994: Aerosmith “Cryin’” 1993: Pearl Jam “Jeremy” 1992: Van Halen “Right Now” 1991: R.E.M. “Losing My Religion” 1990: Sinéad O’Connor “Nothing Compares 2 U” 1989: Neil Young “This Note’s for You” 1988: INXS “Need You Tonight” / “Mediate” 1987: Peter Gabriel “Sledgehammer” 1986: Dire Straits “Money for Nothing” 1985: Don Henley “The Boys of Summer” 1984: The Cars “You Might Think” Resources/Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: “‘Songs of the Year’ lists” MTV: Video Music Awards Wikipedia: MTV Video Music Award for Video o the Year First posted 1/28/2021; last updated 9/13/2023.