In 1996, who won the MTV Best Alternative Video Award for "1979"?

The Smashing Pumpkins won the 1996 MTV Best Alternative Video Award for “1979.” The song's video, directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, follows a group of teenagers roaming suburban Los Angeles during an exuberant, aimless night.

“1979” appeared on the Smashing Pumpkins' 1995 double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Written primarily by vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan, the track became one of the band's signature songs, blending alternative rock with a more melodic, electronic-tinged sound. Its video captured the restless freedom and boredom of adolescence rather than presenting a conventional performance clip.

The award was part of the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 4 in New York City. The Smashing Pumpkins had a major night overall: “Tonight, Tonight” won several awards, including Video of the Year, while “1979” secured Best Alternative Video. A frequent mix-up is confusing the winning artist with the song title; “1979” is the nominated video, while The Smashing Pumpkins are the winners.