The 2021 MTV Video Music Awards will be held on September 12, 2021, at the Barclays Center in New York City. This marks the first time since 2013 that the venue will host the show.^[1][2] The show is set to be hosted by American rapper and singer Doja Cat.^[3] It is the first time in history where a nominee in the Video of the Year category will host the ceremony in that same year.

Ceremony information

On August 1, a new iteration of the MTV Video Music Awards "moon person" trophy was unveiled in honor of MTV's 40th anniversary. Designed by Kehinde Wiley, it features vines and flowers symbolizing "the ethnic histories that surround America", with the network stating that "each intertwined vine or leaf" holds a "different historical relevance, such as the seeds from African slaves, that are woven into the American tapestry".

MTV is collaborating with 9/11 Day for a week of activities to "promote awareness and positive action" in honor of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which falls on the eve of the VMAs.

Nominations were announced on August 11, 2021.^[12][13] Justin Bieber is the most-nominated artist with seven, followed by Megan Thee Stallion with six.^[13][14] Voting for select categories began on the same day and will take place on the VMA website until September 3. Voting for Best New Artist will continue up to during showtime. Social category nominations, including Best Group and Song of Summer, will be announced at a later date.