USA - The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) celebrated its 40th anniversary on 11 September at the UBS Arena in New York. First held in 1984, the VMAs have delivered some of pop culture's most memorable moments, including Madonna’s Like a Virgin performance at the first VMAs in 1984 and Britney Spears’ snake-wielding performance of I’m A Slave 4 U in 2001.
For the VMAs 40th anniversary milestone, Matt Steinbrenner returned as the stage designer to help create a fusion of nostalgia, modernity and spectacle.
The design for the 2024 VMAs harnesses the full potential of the UBS Arena. The visual centrepiece of the design is a towering 60ft-tall Moon Person, emerging from a massive video wall and reaching 55ft into the room as if stepping out of the digital world and into the physical.
This dynamic structure served as a metaphor for the event itself, bridging the rich history of the VMAs with its exciting future. The Moon Person’s sleek, modern form symbolises the evolution of the iconic MTV figure, while the surrounding stage elements tie in the past and present in a visually stunning way.
This year’s layout breaks new ground with four distinct stages, each providing a different perspective and energy for both performers and the audience. The main stage consists of two side-by-side stages, each 60ft wide and 40ft deep, anchored along the length of the arena. Both stages feature expansive video backing walls, setting the tone for an immersive visual experience.
Positioned at the heart of the arena is an intimate central fan stage that emerges from a thrust under the Moon Person. The 20x20ft stage creates an interactive space where the crowd's energy converges. Tiers of audience members frame a rising stage capable of lifting 19ft into the air. The height of the stage adjustability allows for varied visual dynamics throughout the night, enhancing the sense of movement and scale.
The core design of this year’s VMAs draws from the fusion of past moments and the future of the award ceremony. The Moon Person reimagined in a sleek, modern form, represents the evolution of the VMAs while paying homage to their origins. The inflatable sculpture, masterfully fabricated with extreme detail, provides an illusion of a solid structure, with a giant moon positioned cleverly alongside it.
The giant moon and the visor of the Moon Person both act as dynamic canvases for projection mapping, showcasing legendary clips and iconic moments from the past four decades.
Megan Thee Stallion hosted the 2024 VMA ceremony, marking her debut as a VMA host. Big performers of the evening included Katy Perry, who received the Video Vanguard Award. Taylor Swift became the most decorated solo artist of all time, taking home seven awards including Video of the Year.
Continuing his long relationship as the VMAs' production designer, Matt Steinbrenner has made a significant impact in live event design. He has worked on the VMAs for over a decade and is known for his innovative and visually striking designs that fuse technology and art. Beyond the VMAs, Steinbrenner has worked on high-profile projects, including The Oscars.
