The stars are gathering at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet is already bringing together some striking combinations. Teyana Taylor, Shaboozey, RAYE and Bebe Rexha are among the early arrivals photographed ahead of Sunday night's ceremony, where Snoop Dogg will take the stage as host.
Taylor is among the familiar faces greeting photographers, while Shaboozey and RAYE arrive with their own roles to play in the night's music lineup. The arrivals gallery published by People also includes Orville Peck, Adam Lambert, Chlöe Bailey, JoJo and Lauren Jauregui. British girl group FLO has appeared together, adding another group portrait to a carpet filled with solo artists.
There are reunions and unexpected pairings to watch for, too. Public Enemy's Chuck D and Flavor Flav arrived together, and Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear were photographed at the event. Nirvana is set to receive the Video Vanguard Award, giving viewers a reason to pay attention to the rock musicians' presence as the ceremony unfolds.
The guest list extends beyond musicians. Lisa Rinna, Ciara Miller and Harry Jowsey have appeared in the red carpet gallery, while presenters announced for the show include Charli xcx, Tyla, Taylor and Off Campus stars Belmont Cameli and Ella Bright. Their appearances give the ceremony a mix of music, television and pop culture personalities before the first award is handed out.
One major arrival fans are still waiting for is Taylor Swift. She is due to receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors, an award recognizing her work behind the camera. The honor places her music video direction at the center of the night rather than treating it as a footnote to her success as a performer.
Swift is also expected to premiere the video for "Patient Zero," featuring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell. That debut raises the stakes for her appearance: fans will be looking for a first glimpse of Swift on the carpet before seeing what she has created with the two actors on screen. As of the early arrivals gallery, she has yet to be pictured among the guests.
Madonna's return offers another reason to tune in. She is scheduled to perform at the VMAs for the first time in 23 years, while Nirvana's Video Vanguard honor promises a look back at a very different chapter of music history. Swift's new video will bring the focus back to what comes next.
The 2026 MTV VMAs begin Sunday, September 27, at 7:30 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+. The arrivals have already put plenty of recognizable names on the carpet, but with Swift's entrance and several major moments still ahead, the night's biggest images may be yet to come.
