Dakota Johnson hails 'visionary' Taylor Swift as she presents first Artist Director honor at VMAs
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Taylor Swift was all over the headlines for her presence at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). She delivered a remarkable speech and paid tribute to Dolly Parton after accepting her award.
However, what grabbed attention was what her friend Dakota Johnson called Swift as she presented the first-ever Artist Director honor to the singer at the VMAs. The 'Fifty Shades of Grey' actress called the 'Patient Zero' singer a "visionary" as she introduced Swift on stage to receive the award.
For those unaware, the 14-time Grammy winner was awarded the VMAs' first-ever Artist Director honor at the Peacock Theater.
Dakota Johnson calls Taylor Swift a 'visionary' at the VMAs
Johnson, looking like a vision as she stood on stage, presented the award and began by saying, “One of the most decorated artists in the history of the VMAs. She is the most recognizable video director in the show’s history.”
The actress paused and let the audience cheer and applaud for Swift. She then resumed, saying, “She is visionary, with a relentless drive for perfection in everything she does. And still holds the artistry and the cardinal virtue to never lose sight of the ineffable magic spark at the center of it all.”
Dakota Johnson presenting Taylor Swift with the Artist Director Honor at the #VMAs. pic.twitter.com/EZrFjZph2p
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 28, 2026
Per a press release, the new Artist Director Honors recognize “groundbreaking music artists whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling.”
Taylor Swift explains why she loves directing music videos
After an introduction from her friend Johnson, Swift told the crowd that out of roughly 60 music videos she has been part of, she wrote and directed 18 of them.
“I got to tell you, though, the main reason why I love writing and directing music videos so much is because you, the fans, make it so much fun,” Swift, 36, said in a speech on stage.
“You make it so rewarding! Because you actually care about what we’re making.”
“I want to say thank you to everyone who ever worked on a music video that I got to be a part of. I learned something from every single person who worked alongside me on these projects,” she added.
“Mainly, I want to say thank you to the fans, and rather than say anything else... I would love to, if it’s okay with you, show you my latest music video.”
