The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards – Of Beyonce and Blue

Who would’ve thought a show that’s usually known for creating moments of controversy featuring giant foam fingers, ‘twerking,’ and blonde singers locking lips could direct that attention to some important issues of our time? So it was with the MTV VMAs in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

While Miley Cyrus had tongues a-waggin’ last year, after her Internet-shutting-down performance with Robin Thicke, this year, she channelled that attention to an issue not often talked about – homelessness. The young singer sent a man who used to live on the streets to accept her award for Video of the Year, and he directed viewers to her website to find out more about donating and helping homeless shelters.

With Ferguson still in the headlines, Common accepting Drake’s award for Best Hip Hop video gave the Chicago-born rapper the chance to support those who have taken to the streets after the killing of teenager Mike Brown. “The people in Ferguson and St. Louis and communities across the country have used their voices to call for justice and change to let everyone know that each and every one of our lives matters,” he said. “Hip-hop has always been about truth and has been a powerful instrument of social change.”

Of course, the Internet was still looking for a tailor-made, gif-ready moment to share and that came courtesy of Blue Ivy, barely even three years old and already a star who had all eyes on her during Beyonce’s medley performance. The singer took home the Michael Jackson Vanguard award, and if there was an award her daughter could have taken home, indeed her whole family could’ve taken home, you know the Carters would have scooped it.

The winners, then:

Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award: Beyonce

Video of the Year: Miley Cyrus, Wrecking Ball

Artist to Watch: Fifth Harmony, Miss Movin’ On

Best Rock Video: Lorde, Royals

Best Hip-Hop Video: Drake ft. Majid Jordan, Hold On (We’re Going Home)

Best Pop Video: Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea, Problem

Best Male Video: Ed Sheeran ft. Pharrell, Sing

Best Female Video: Katy Perry ft. Juicy J, Dark Horse

Best Lyric Video: 5 Seconds of Summer, Don’t Stop

Best Collaboration: Beyonce ft. Jay Z, Drunk In Love

MTV Clubland Award: Zedd ft. Hayley Williams, Stay the Night

Best Video With a Social Message: Beyonce, Pretty Hurts

Best Cinematography: Beyonce, Pretty Hurts

Best Editing: Eminem, Rap God

Best Choreography: Sia, Chandelier

Best Direction: DJ Snake & Lil Jon, Turn Down For What

Best Art Direction: Arcade Fire, Reflektor

Best Visual Effects: OK Go, The Writing’s On the Wall

[Pic: Katy Perry accepts the award for Best Female Video, MTV Networks]