Taylor Swift sets a new record at the MTV Video Music Awards

Taylor Swift made history this Sunday by becoming the most awarded artist in the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), after breaking the record she had previously shared with Beyoncé, AFP reported.

The 36-year-old American singer arrived at the ceremony tied with Beyoncé at 30 awards each, but broke the tie by receiving the first Artist Director Honors, a new award created by MTV to recognize the work of artists behind the scenes and their contribution to the direction and narrative of music videos.

The award brought Swift's total to 31 trophies, officially making her the most-awarded artist in VMA history. MTV had already announced before the ceremony that the honor would ensure Swift would surpass the record she shared with Beyoncé.

Swift also took home the award for Video of the Year, which she dedicated to the late country music legend Dolly Parton, according to the news agency.

'Patient Zero,' Swift's new video

The singer also took advantage of the ceremony to premiere the music video for her new single, "Patient Zero," starring actors Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson.

However, Swift did not win in all the major categories. The award for Artist of the Year went to Madonna, who returned to the VMA stage for the first time in more than two decades.

The so-called "Queen of Pop," 68, opened the show and once again stole the spotlight on one of the ceremony's biggest nights, more than 20 years after her memorable 2003 performance alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

Another highlight was the tribute to Nirvana, which received the Video Vanguard Award, MTV's highest honor for a lifetime achievement in music video. The band became the first group in more than two decades to receive this distinction.

"Nirvana continues to resonate so deeply because people are still hungry for authenticity," said bassist Krist Novoselic, according to AFP.

The ceremony, held in Los Angeles, was hosted by rapper Snoop Dogg and broadcast on CBS and MTV.