he 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, hosted by Kevin Hart, took place on Thursday, September 6, 2012, honoring the best music videos from the previous year. The awards were broadcast from the Staples Center arena at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles. Nominations were announced on July 31, 2012. Rihanna and Drake were the most nominated artists that year with five nominations apiece, followed by Katy Perry and Beyoncé, who received four.

The MTV Video Music Awards are returning to Radio City Music Hall in NYC, with performances by Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Logic featuring Ryan Tedder, and this year's Video Vanguard recipient, Jennifer Lopez.