Nirvana were honored with the Video Vanguard Award at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night, with surviving members Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl and Pat Smear reuniting onstage to accept the honor.
Public Enemy’s Chuck D presented the award, introducing a retrospective celebrating Nirvana’s music videos and impact on MTV and popular culture. In his introduction, Chuck D praised the band for remaining true to their vision and described their music and videos as defining an era.
Novoselic delivered the acceptance speech on behalf of the band, paying tribute to late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain and reflecting on why the group’s music continues to connect with listeners more than three decades later.
“Kurt was one of one,” Novoselic said. “None of us could have imagined that our band, our sound, our aesthetic could mean so much to so many people, but ultimately the music had a life of its own. It charted its own course.”
He continued by pointing to the authenticity at the heart of Nirvana’s music, saying people remain drawn to “something real, something uncompromising” before working the title of “Come As You Are” into his remarks.
“Kurt would’ve loved that legacy. Thank you so much,” Novoselic concluded.
Nirvana’s history with the VMAs stretches back more than three decades. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” won Best New Artist in a Video and Best Alternative Video in 1992, while “In Bloom” won Best Alternative Video in 1993. “Heart-Shaped Box” earned the same award the following year.
The Video Vanguard Award recognizes artists and directors whose work has made a significant impact on music video and popular culture. Previous recipients include Madonna, Peter Gabriel, R.E.M., Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others.
The 2026 MTV VMAs took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marking the ceremony’s first return to the Los Angeles area since 2017.
Check out video of Nirvana receiving the Video Vanguard Award below.
Photo by MTV/CBS
