Awards & Winners

MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography

MTV Video Music Award

The following is a list of MTV Video Music Award winners for Best Cinematography in a Video. Madonna and director of photography Harris Savides are the biggest winners in this category, with 3 wins each. Madonna is also the biggest nominee in the category's history, having received a total of ten nominations. On the side of the professionals, meanwhile, Daniel Pearl is the biggest nominee with eight nominations. He is followed by fellow cinematographers Martin Coppen, who has six nominations, and Harris Savides, Thomas Kloss, and Jeff Cronenweth, all with five.
Date Established : 1984

Check all the winners of MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography presented under MTV Video Music Award since 1984 .


Beyoncé Knowles

Honored for : Pretty Hurts
(Director of Photography: Darren Lew & Jackson Hunt)

Nominations 2014 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Thirty Seconds to Mars City of Angels
Director of Photography: David Devlin
Arcade Fire Afterlife
Director of Photography: Evan Prosofsky
Beyoncé Knowles Pretty Hurts
Director of Photography: Darren Lew & Jackson Hunt
Gesaffelstein Hate Or Glory
Director of Photography: Michael Ragen
Lana Del Rey West Coast
Director of Photography: Evan Prosofsky

Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Ray Dalton, Jason Koenig, Mego Lin

Honored for : Can't Hold Us
(Directors of Photography: Jason Koenig, Ryan Lewis and Mego Lin)

Nominations 2013 »

Nominee Nominated Work
30 Seconds to Mars Up in the Air
Director of Photography: David Devlin
David Devlin Up in the Air
Director of Photography: David Devlin
A-Trak Tuna Melt
Directors of Photography: TS Pfeffer and Robert McHugh
Tommy Trash Tuna Melt
Directors of Photography: TS Pfeffer and Robert McHugh
TS Pfeffer Tuna Melt
Directors of Photography: TS Pfeffer and Robert McHugh
Robert McHugh Tuna Melt
Directors of Photography: TS Pfeffer and Robert McHugh
Lana Del Rey Ride
Director of Photography: Malik Sayeed
Malik Hassan Sayeed Ride
Director of Photography: Malik Sayeed
Yeah Yeah Yeahs Sacrilege
Director of Photography: Alexis Zabe
Alexis Zabé Sacrilege
Director of Photography: Alexis Zabe
Macklemore Can't Hold Us
Directors of Photography: Jason Koenig, Ryan Lewis and Mego Lin
Ryan Lewis Can't Hold Us
Directors of Photography: Jason Koenig, Ryan Lewis and Mego Lin
Ray Dalton Can't Hold Us
Directors of Photography: Jason Koenig, Ryan Lewis and Mego Lin
Mego Lin Can't Hold Us
Directors of Photography: Jason Koenig, Ryan Lewis and Mego Lin
Jason Koenig Can't Hold Us
Directors of Photography: Jason Koenig, Ryan Lewis and Mego Lin

M.I.A.

Honored for : Bad Girls
(Director of Photography: André Chemetoff)

Nominations 2012 »

Nominee Nominated Work
M.I.A. Bad Girls
Director of Photography: André Chemetoff
Adele Someone Like You
Director of Photography: David Johnson
Coldplay Princess of China
Director of Photography: Stéphane Vallée
Rihanna Princess of China
Director of Photography: Stéphane Vallée
Lana Del Rey Born to Die
Director of Photography: André Chemetoff
Drake Take Care
Director of Photography: Kasper Tuxen
Rihanna Take Care
Director of Photography: Kasper Tuxen

Adele

Honored for : Rolling In The Deep
(Director of Photography: Tom Townend)

Nominations 2011 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Adele Rolling In The Deep
Director of Photography: Tom Townend
Beyoncé Knowles Run the World (Girls)
Director of Photography: Jeffrey Kimball
Eminem Love the Way You Lie
Director of Photography: Christopher Probst
Rihanna Love the Way You Lie
Director of Photography: Christopher Probst
Katy Perry Teenage Dream
Director of Photography: Paul Laufer
30 Seconds to Mars Hurricane
Directors of Photography: Benoît Debie, Jared Leto, Rob Witt and Daniel Carberry

Jay-Z, Alicia Keys

Honored for : Empire State of Mind
(Director of Photography: John Perez)

Nominations 2010 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind
Director of Photography: John Perez
Jay-Z Empire State of Mind
Director of Photography: John Perez
Lady Gaga Bad Romance
Director of Photography: Thomas Kloss
Mumford & Sons Little Lion Man
Director of Photography: Ben Magahy
Florence and the Machine Dog Days Are Over
Director of Photography: Adam Frisch
Eminem Not Afraid
Director of Photography: Christopher Probst

Green Day

Honored for : 21 Guns
(Director of Photography: Jonathan Sela)

Nominations 2009 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Lady Gaga Paparazzi
Director of Photography: Eric Broms
Coldplay Viva La Vida
Director of Photography: John Perez
Beyoncé Knowles Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Director of Photography: Jim Fealy
Green Day 21 Guns
Director of Photography: Jonathan Sela
Britney Spears Circus
Director of Photography: Thomas Kloss

The White Stripes

Honored for : Conquest
(Cinematography: Wyatt Troll)

Nominations 2008 »

Nominee Nominated Work
The White Stripes Conquest
Cinematography: Wyatt Troll
Erykah Badu Honey
Cinematography: Karsten \"Crash\" Gopinath
Death Cab for Cutie I Will Possess Your Heart
Cinematography: Aaron Stewart-Ahn and Shawn Kim
Katy Perry I Kissed a Girl
Cinematography: Simon Thirlaway
The Pussycat Dolls When I Grow Up
Cinematography: Christopher Probst

James Blunt

Honored for : You're Beautiful
(Cinematography: Robbie Ryan)

Nominations 2006 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz Invisible
Cinematography: Jeff Cutter
Prince Black Sweat
Cinematography: Checco Varese
Red Hot Chili Peppers Dani California
Cinematography: Tony Kaye
James Blunt You're Beautiful
Cinematography: Robbie Ryan
AFI Miss Murder
Cinematography: Wells Hackett

Green Day

Honored for : Boulevard of Broken Dreams
(Director of Photography: Samuel Bayer)

Nominations 2005 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Coldplay Speed of Sound
Director of Photography: Harris Savides
Modest Mouse Ocean Breathes Salty
Director of Photography: Danny Hiele
Simple Plan Untitled
Director of Photography: Michael Bernard
U2 Vertigo
Director of Photography: Omer Ganai
Green Day Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Director of Photography: Samuel Bayer
The White Stripes Blue Orchid
Director of Photography: Chris Soos

Jay-Z

Honored for : 99 Problems
(Director of Photography: Joaquin Baca-Asay)

Nominations 2004 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Yeah Yeah Yeahs Maps
Director of Photography: Shawn Kim
Beyoncé Knowles Naughty Girl
Director of Photography: Jim Hawkinson
No Doubt It's My Life
Director of Photography: Jeff Cronenweth
Jay-Z 99 Problems
Director of Photography: Joaquin Baca-Asay
Christina Aguilera The Voice Within
Director of Photography: Jeff Cronenweth

Johnny Cash

Honored for : Hurt
(Director of Photography: Jean-Yves Escoffier)

Nominations 2003 »

Nominee Nominated Work
No Doubt Underneath It All
Director of Photography: Karsten "Crash" Gopinath
Lady Saw Underneath It All
Director of Photography: Karsten "Crash" Gopinath
Radiohead There There
Director of Photography: Fred Reed
Johnny Cash Hurt
Director of Photography: Jean-Yves Escoffier
Missy Elliott Work It
Director of Photography: Michael Bernard

Moby

Honored for : We Are All Made of Stars
(Director of Photography: Brad Rushing)

Nominations 2002 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Alicia Keys A Woman's Worth
Director of Photography: John Perez
Shakira Whenever, Wherever
Director of Photography: Pascal Lebegue
Moby We Are All Made of Stars
Director of Photography: Brad Rushing
Missy Elliott One Minute Man
Director of Photography: Karsten "Crash" Gopinath

Fatboy Slim

Honored for : Weapon of Choice
(Director of Photography: Lance Acord)

Nominations 2001 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Missy Elliott Get Ur Freak On
Director of Photography: James Hawkinson
Fatboy Slim Weapon of Choice
Director of Photography: Lance Acord
Eminem Stan
Director of Photography: Dariusz Wolski
Dido Stan
Director of Photography: Dariusz Wolski
Aerosmith Jaded
Director of Photography: Thomas Kloss

Macy Gray

Honored for : Do Something
(Director of Photography: Jeff Cronenweth)

Nominations 2000 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Stone Temple Pilots Sour Girl
Director of Photography: Martin Coppen
Filter Take A Picture
Director of Photography: Daniel Pearl
Madonna American Pie
Director of Photography: John Mathieson
Metallica I Disappear
Director of Photography: David Rudd
Macy Gray Do Something
Director of Photography: Jeff Cronenweth

Marilyn Manson

Honored for : The Dope Show
(Director of Photography: Martin Coppen)

Nominations 1999 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Will Smith Miami
Director of Photography: Daniel Pearl
Korn Freak On A Leash
Director of Photography: Julian Whatley
Hole Malibu
Director of Photography: Martin Coppen
Marilyn Manson The Dope Show
Director of Photography: Martin Coppen
Madonna Beautiful Stranger
Director of Photography: Thomas Kloss

Fiona Apple

Honored for : Criminal
(Director of Photography: Harris Savides)

Nominations 1998 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Radiohead Karma Police
Director of Photography: Stephen Keith-Roach
Garbage Push It
Director of Photography: Max Malkin
Dave Matthews Band Don't Drink The Water
Director of Photography: Dean Karr
Madonna Ray of Light
Director of Photography: Henrik Halvarsson
Fiona Apple Criminal
Director of Photography: Harris Savides

Jamiroquai

Honored for : Virtual Insanity
(Director of Photography: Stephen Keith-Roach)

Nominations 1997 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Jamiroquai Virtual Insanity
Director of Photography: Stephen Keith-Roach
Eels Novocaine for the Soul
Director of Photography: Jeff Cronenweth
Nine Inch Nails The Perfect Drug
Director of Photography: Jeff Cronenweth
The Smashing Pumpkins The End Is The Beginning Is The End
Director of Photography: Declan Quinn

The Smashing Pumpkins

Honored for : Tonight, Tonight
(Director of Photography: Declan Quinn)

Nominations 1996 »

Nominee Nominated Work
The Smashing Pumpkins Tonight, Tonight
Director of Photography: Declan Quinn
Eric Clapton Change The World
Directors of Photography: Peter Nydrle and Marco Mazzei
Coolio Gangsta's Paradise
L.V. Gangsta's Paradise
Brandy Norwood Brokenhearted
Director of Photography: Martin Coppen
Madonna You'll See
Director of Photography: Adrian Wild

The Rolling Stones

Honored for : Love Is Strong
(Directors of Photography: Garry Waller and Mike Trim)

Nominations 1995 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Janet Jackson Scream
Director of Photography: Harris Savides
Michael Jackson Scream
Director of Photography: Harris Savides
The Rolling Stones Love Is Strong
Directors of Photography: Garry Waller and Mike Trim
Green Day Basket Case
Director of Photography: Adam Beckman
TLC Waterfalls
Director of Photography: Toby Phillips
Boyz II Men Water Runs Dry
Director of Photography: Daniel Pearl
Stone Temple Pilots Interstate Love Song
Director of Photography: Kevin Kerslake

R.E.M.

Honored for : Everybody Hurts
(Director of Photography: Harris Savides)

Nominations 1994 »

Nominee Nominated Work
R.E.M. Everybody Hurts
Director of Photography: Harris Savides
Aerosmith Amazing
Director of Photography: Gabriel Beristain
Deep Forest Sweet Lullaby
Directors of Photography: Tarsem and Denise Milford
Nirvana Heart-Shaped Box
Director of Photography: John Mathieson

Madonna

Honored for : Rain
(Director of Photography: Harris Savides)

Nominations 1993 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Madonna Rain
Director of Photography: Harris Savides
Duran Duran Ordinary World
Director of Photography: Martin Coppen
En Vogue Free Your Mind
Director of Photography: Thomas Kloss
k.d. lang Constant Craving
Director of Photography: Marc Reshovsky
Sting If I Ever Lose My Faith In You
Director of Photography: Ivan Bartos

Guns N' Roses

Honored for : November Rain
(Directors of Photography: Mike Southon and Daniel Pearl)

Nominations 1992 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Tori Amos Silent All These Years
Director of Photography: George Tiffin
Genesis I Can't Dance
Director of Photography: Daniel Pearl
En Vogue My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)
Director of Photography: Paul Lauter
Guns N' Roses November Rain
Directors of Photography: Mike Southon and Daniel Pearl
Eric Clapton Tears in Heaven
Director of Photography: David Johnson

Chris Isaak

Honored for : Wicked Game
(Director of Photography: Rolf Kestermann)

Nominations 1991 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Chris Isaak Wicked Game
Director of Photography: Rolf Kestermann
R.E.M. Losing My Religion
Director of Photography: Larry Fong
George Michael Freedom! '90
Director of Photography: Mike Southon
LL Cool J Mama Said Knock You Out
Director of Photography: Stephen Ashley Blake

Madonna

Honored for : Vogue
(Director of Photography: Pascal Lebègue)

Nominations 1990 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Billy Joel We Didn't Start the Fire
Director of Photography: Sven Kirsten
Aerosmith Janie's Got A Gun
Director of Photography: Dariusz Wolski
Madonna Vogue
Director of Photography: Pascal Lebègue
Don Henley The End of the Innocence
Director of Photography: David Bridges

Madonna

Honored for : Express Yourself
(Director of Photography: Mark Plummer)

Nominations 1989 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Michael Jackson Smooth Criminal
Director of Photography: John Hora
Steve Winwood Roll With It
Director of Photography: Mark Plummer
Tanita Tikaram Twist in My Sobriety
Director of Photography: Jeff Darling
Madonna Express Yourself
Director of Photography: Mark Plummer

Sting

Honored for : We'll Be Together
(Director of Photography: Bill Pope)

Nominations 1988 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Robert Plant Heaven Knows
Director of Photography: Steve Tickner
Sting We'll Be Together
Director of Photography: Bill Pope
Suzanne Vega Luka
Director of Photography: Dariusz Wolski)
Pink Floyd Learning to Fly
Director of Photography: Gordon Minard
George Michael Father Figure
Director of Photography: Peter Mackay

Robbie Nevil

Honored for : C'est La Vie
(Director of Photography: Mark Plummer)

Nominations 1987 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Steve Winwood Higher Love
Director of Photography: Peter Kagan
Cyndi Lauper What's Going On
Director of Photography: Juan Ruiz Anchía
Madonna Papa Don't Preach
Director of Photography: Michael Ballhaus
U2 With or Without You
Director of Photography: Daniel Pearl and Matt Mahurin
Robbie Nevil C'est La Vie
Director of Photography: Mark Plummer

A-ha

Honored for : The Sun Always Shines On TV
(Director of Photography: Oliver Stapleton)

Nominations 1986 »

Nominee Nominated Work
ZZ Top Rough Boy
Director of Photography: Chris Nibley
Joe Walsh The Confessor
Director of Photography: Jan Kiesser and Ken Barrows
A-ha The Sun Always Shines On TV
Director of Photography: Oliver Stapleton
X Burning House of Love
Director of Photography: Ken Barrows
Pat Benatar Sex as a Weapon
Director of Photography: Peter Mackay

Don Henley

Honored for : The Boys of Summer
(Director of Photography: Pascal Lebègue)

Nominations 1985 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Madonna Like a Virgin
Director of Photography: Peter Sinclair
Lindsey Buckingham Go Insane
Director of Photography: Oliver Stapleton
Bryan Adams Heaven (version 2)
Director of Photography: Peter MacDonald
Don Henley The Boys of Summer
Director of Photography: Pascal Lebègue
Bryan Adams Run to You
Director of Photography: Frank Gell

The Police

Honored for : Every Breath You Take
(Director of Photography: Daniel Pearl)

Nominations 1984 »

Nominee Nominated Work
Stray Cats (She's) Sexy + 17
Director of Photography: Harry Lake
John Mellencamp Authority Song
Director of Photography: Daniel Pearl
The Police Every Breath You Take
Director of Photography: Daniel Pearl
Kiss All Hell's Breakin' Loose
Directors of Photography: Tony Mitchell and Jim Crispi
Billy Idol Eyes Without a Face
Director of Photography: Tony Mitchell
David Bowie China Girl
Director of Photography: John Metcalfe