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MTV Will Restore Best Dance Category for 2026 Awards

The network is bringing back the iconic music honor on September 27, 2026, with a new sponsorship.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Dance and Electronic

Bold vector editorial illustration of a metallic award trophy on a stage, illuminated by crossing theatrical spotlights, evoking music award ceremonies.
MTV will bring back its Best Dance award category for the 2026 Video Music Awards on September 27 as part of a new partnership with Bacardi. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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MTV has announced the return of the Best Dance category at the 2026 Video Music Awards, which will take place on September 27, 2026. The award category was last presented in 2019.

Why it matters

The restoration of this category aligns with a marketing partnership between MTV and Bacardi, aiming to integrate the brand's campaign directly into the awards broadcast.

The promotional showcase video created for the awards show features a running time of exactly 1 minute and 15 seconds. This content highlights remixes of tracks originally recorded by J-Lo, En Vogue, and Ricky Martin.

The players

MTV

This American cable network is a prominent global music and entertainment brand owned by Paramount Global.

Bacardi

This family-owned spirits company maintains its corporate headquarters in Puerto Rico.

Paramount Media Labs

This division of Paramount Global focuses on developing integrated advertising and creative solutions for corporate partners.

The details

Bacardi has partnered with Paramount Media Labs to embed brand content into the ceremony, including branding on the online voting portal for the category. The company is promoting this return through a social media push featuring the showcase video.

Timeline

  1. Bacardi began bottling rum in Cuba in 1862.

  2. Bacardi launched its Do What Moves You campaign in 2018.

  3. The Best Dance category was last presented in 2019.

  4. Bacardi began sponsoring the MTV Video Music Awards in 2023.

  5. The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony occurs on September 27, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The return of this award category reflects a broader trend of brands seeking deeper integration within live entertainment broadcasts to reach younger demographics. This move signals a shift toward context-aware advertising over traditional commercial breaks during televised music events.

Fans will be able to influence the outcome of the award by participating in the online voting process hosted on the MTV website. The event will be available for viewing during the ceremony broadcast on September 27, 2026.

The takeaway

The return of this category provides dance music artists with a dedicated platform for recognition within one of the industry's most-watched nights. Viewers interested in the genre can expect more integrated brand experiences throughout the upcoming telecast.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest industry trends in the Dance and Electronic section.

Live Poll

Do you prefer awards shows that remain independent of corporate brand integrations?