Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga Dazzle at MTV VMAs; Other Highlights from Awards Season

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) showcased a night filled with memorable performances and notable wins on September 10, 2023. Ariana Grande took home the coveted Video of the Year and Best Pop awards, expressing her gratitude to her “therapists and gay people” during her acceptance speech. Lady Gaga, the evening’s leading nominee, secured the title of Artist of the Year and delivered an electrifying performance at Madison Square Garden.

In addition to Grande and Gaga’s triumphs, Mariah Carey was honored with the Video Vanguard Award, captivating the audience with a medley of her greatest hits. A tribute performance celebrated the legacy of the late Ozzy Osbourne, while Busta Rhymes received the Rock the Bells Visionary Award and Ricky Martin was recognized as the first-ever Latin Icon. The event was hosted by LL Cool J.

Moving to the Creative Arts Emmys, Kendrick Lamar and Barack Obama each claimed awards, marking impressive achievements in their respective fields. Lamar won recognition for music direction during his Super Bowl halftime show, while Obama received accolades for documentary narration for the third time. “Saturday Night Live” emerged as the standout winner of the night, securing 11 awards as it celebrated its 50th season. HBO’s “Pee-wee as Himself” also garnered four awards, honoring the late Paul Reubens.

In a different realm, speculation surrounding Prince Harry intensified as he made a brief visit to the UK for his charities this week. This trip coincides with the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and has fueled discussions about a possible reconciliation with his father, King Charles III. Since moving to California in 2020, Harry has had limited contact with his family and expressed a desire to mend relationships, despite ongoing tensions.

As the entertainment landscape shifts, new offerings include the fifth season of “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu and Ed Sheeran’s new album “Play.” The week of September 8 also sees the release of the Netflix documentary “AKA Charlie Sheen,” chronicling the actor’s tumultuous career, alongside the psychological thriller “The Girlfriend” starring Robin Wright and Olivia Cooke. Additionally, Ty Dolla $ign is set to release his first album in five years.

The horror film “The Conjuring: Last Rites” achieved significant box office success, grossing $83 million domestically across 3,802 theaters, making it the third highest opening for a horror film in the US. The sequel also saw international earnings of $104 million, contributing to the horror genre’s over $1 billion in domestic box office earnings this year.

At the Toronto International Film Festival, Nia DaCosta debuted her adaptation of “Hedda,” starring Tessa Thompson. This modern take on Ibsen’s classic play introduces a queer interpretation of the protagonist, Hedda Gabler, exploring themes of manipulation and societal pressures during a pivotal evening at a lavish party.

As the week progressed, the entertainment world also mourned the loss of Mark Volman, a founding member of the 1960s pop group The Turtles, who passed away at the age of 78 after a brief illness. Volman was celebrated for his vibrant stage presence and contributions to music, including his later work with the duo Flo & Eddie.

The entertainment industry remains vibrant, with awards and new releases continuing to capture the public’s imagination, as artists and performers navigate their careers and personal lives amid constant change.