MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS: It’s All About That Tay

MTV celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Video Music Awards with plenty of looks back at classic moments and a few glimpses of what we might be seeing in the future.

We got the answer to the night’s biggest question early on — yes, Taylor Swift was in the house and prepared to accept her awards. She also managed to deliver the night’s most touching tribute to the more important event that took place on 9/11 23 years ago.

Producers doubled down on the 40th anniversary theme by showing classic moments from years gone by, and recreating some — like having host Megan Thee Stallion mimic Britney Spears’ creepy snake moment, yes, with a live snake.

The annual Video Vanguard Award lovefest focused on Katy Perry this year, starting with an intro from her bae Orlando Bloom. Before accepting her accolade, she sang for her supper, dangling from harnesses for a medley of “Dark Horse,” “I’m His, He’s Mine,” “California Girls.” “Teenage Dream,” “I Kissed a Girl,” “Lifetimes” and “Firework.”

Eminem opened the show with a medley of “Houdini” and “Somebody Save Me” which he performed surrounded by dozens of Eminem lookalikes, all with identical bottle-blonde hair — with a videoed-in guest spot by Jelly Roll for the second tune.

Karol G fueled the party mood with a spirited “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” during which she danced with just about every celeb within reach of the stage.

Shawn Mendes shifted the mood to mellow with his ’70s-styled ballad “Nobody Knows,” which is guaranteed to be a closing-time favorite when the weather cools.

Sabrina Carpenter, the “it girl” of the moment, strutted through a two-pack of her hits “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please,” managing to work in a makeout session with an extra-terrestrial in the process.

Chappell Roan served notice of her intent to take no prisoners, taking the stage with a crossbow to deliver “Good Luck, Babe” in Joan of Arc mode, complete with plenty of flames.

Host Megan Thee Stallion brought sexy back with her performance slot, which included parts of “BOA,” “Hiss” and “Mamushi” and a wildly over-the-top drum section.

Halsey drove home the garage vibe of her new single, “Ego” by strapping on a guitar to perform it in an actual garage (or a stage mock-up of one).

Lenny Kravitz and his feather boa kept the rock vibe going with the help of guest Quavo.

And LL Cool J closed out the performances with a Public Enemy collaboration to mark 40 years of Def Jam Recprds.

Video of the Year – Taylor Swift (feat. Post Malone) – “Fortnight”

Artist of the Year – Taylor Swift

Best New Artist – Chappell Roan

Best Pop – Taylor Swift

Song ot the Year – Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”

Best Hip-Hop – Eminem – “Houdini”

Best R & B – SZA – “Snooze”

Best Latin – Anitta – “Mil Veces”

Best Collaboration – Taylor Swift (feat. Post Malone) – “Fortnight”

Best K-Pop – Lisa “-Rockstar”

Best Rock – Lenny Kravitz – “Human”

Best Alternative – Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”

Best Afrobeats – Tyla – “Water”

Video for Good – Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For?”

Trending Video – Megan Thee Stallion – “Mamushi”