MTV VMA 2016: Beyoncé Wins Best Direction for ‘Formation’
Bow down to the queen of the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. Beyoncé‘s “Formation” was the top winner Sunday night, taking home the VMA for Best Direction.
Directed by Melina Matsoukas, the video made its debut on February 6 and sparked a whirlwind of admirers and critics who gave it mixed responses for its alleged anti-police stance (which the singer denied.) The song was Bey’s first single off her sixth studio album, “Lemonade,” and was performed live for the first time during the Super Bowl 50 halftime show.
“Formation” was shot in Los Angeles and features references to Hurricane Katrina, antebellum and Louisiana Creole culture, police brutality, racism and black pride. The five-minute video also includes spoken words by New Orleans artist Big Freedia and Messy Mya, who was murdered in New Orleans in 2010.
READ MORE: MTV VMA 2016: Beyoncé Wins Video of the Year For ‘Formation’
It currently has more than 14 million views on YouTube and has been one of Beyoncé’s most talked-about clips. Watch the award-winning video below:
READ MORE: MTV VMA 2016: Full Video Music Awards Winners List
The Best Direction category also included Coldplay’s “Up& Up” directed by Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia, Adele’s “Hello” by Xavier Dolan, David Bowie’s Johan Renck–directed video “Lazarus” and Tame Impala’s Canada-helmed “The Less I Know the Better.”
For the complete list of VMA winners, click here.
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