MTV’s just announced the 2016 Video Music Award nominees via Facebook Live, and it’s hard to argue with the Video Of The Year category when it includes Beyoncé’s political, powerful “Formation” and Kanye West’s shit-stirring, very naked “Famous.” They’re joined by a pair of meme-makers: Adele’s “Hello” and Drake’s “Hotline Bling.” Finally, there’s Justin Bieber’s “Sorry.” (Say what you will about the Biebs, but that’s one fun, well-choreographed video.) Sure, there will probably be justified outrage if Beyoncé doesn’t win—perhaps even from Kanye?—but all the nominees have their merits. There isn’t an Ed Sheeran “Thinking Out Loud” among them.
Beyoncé videos scored 11 nominations in total, five of which are in categories voted for by the public. “Formation” is also up for Best Pop Video, while “Hold Up” is in the running for Best Female Video; “Freedom” is vying for Best Collaboration Video, and Lemonade is including in Breakthrough Long Form Video. Adele is represented in eight categories, mostly for “Hello”—however, “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” was recognized for Best Visual Effects. “Hotline Bling” meanwhile scored four nominations all on its own, and Drake also picked up some for his team-up with Rihanna on “Work.”
You can see the full list of nominations here. The VMAs are set to air August 28.
