Wanna feel old? It’s been 17 years since Kanye West stormed the stage to interrupt Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. There have been many more Taylor Swift moments at the VMAs since then, including quite a few shots of Swift in the audience, reacting to what’s happening onstage. She’s also the most honored artist in VMAs history, with 30 Moon Persons to her name.
She added a new one tonight, winning the inaugural Artist Director Honors, a new award recognizing artists who direct their own videos. Did they invent this award to once again entice Swift to be present? Maybe, especially since one of the show’s producers confirmed that the idea for the award “came from external.” In any case, if the goal was to get Swift in the building, it worked. She was present at the Peacock Theater to accept the award, and she used it as a promo op, of course.
The video for “Patient Zero,” the focus track from Swift’s new deluxe Encore edition of The Life Of A Showgirl, premiered directly after her speech. The video stars Dakota Johnson, who introduced Swift at the VMAs, and Colin Farrell as her abusive boyfriend. Swift directed, of course, and she appears in the video as Farrell’s doomed ex. Also making cameos in the video were Swift’s old pal Cara Delevingne and, surprisingly, reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford. I guess she probably hangs out with a lot of football stars these days.
Swift shared this statement about the video:
The Patient Zero video is finally out in the world! Getting to work with @chivexp was something out of a dream sequence, and I learned so much from getting to watch his genius in action. I want to thank @dakotajohnson and Colin for trusting me with their time, taste, and talent (Giggling with your friend because you’re twinning for an entire shoot was a new and truly delightful experience). And Colin’s turn as a villain is even more impressive when you get to be around him. He’s an absolute light and as kind as they come. @caradelevingne, thank you for agreeing to play the lusty other woman. That’s what friends are for?
With the Patient Zero video, I got to explore the cinematic and literary genres I love so much. I wanted to incorporate elements of gothic ghost stories, true crime, psychological thrillers all in a setting I hadn’t really shot in much. The house was a metaphor for the coldness of a relationship that’s faded and atrophied. Thank you to @ethantobman for your insightful production design, and bringing that feeling to life. My editor @chancler has outdone himself. And lastly, thank you to the @vmas for giving us a World Premiere at the place where celebrating music videos became a thing. And so much love for you guys, always.
Below, watch Swift’s speech and, if you have Spotify or Apple Music, the “Patient Zero” video.
UPDATE: Swift also took home Video Of The Year for “The Fate Of Ophelia” and dedicated that award to Dolly Parton.
