Nirvana received the Video Vanguard Award at the 2026 MTV VMAs tonight.
Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic accepted the lifetime achievement honor at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, joined by touring guitarist Pat Smear. Public Enemy's Chuck D presented the award, opening with, "Nirvana never bent to the will of the mainstream."
Nirvana is the first band to receive the Video Vanguard since Duran Duran in 2003. The band won five VMAs during its career, including three straight wins for Best Alternative Video with "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "In Bloom" and "Heart-Shaped Box."