The astronaut-shaped trophy given at the VMAs is called the Moonman.
The trophy depicts an astronaut standing on the Moon and is one of the earliest visual symbols associated with MTV. Its design was created by Manhattan Design, the firm also responsible for the original MTV logo. The concept drew on MTV’s early network-identification animation, which used imagery connected with the Apollo 11 mission.
Although “Moonman” became the familiar nickname, MTV began using the more inclusive term “Moon Person” around the 2017 ceremony. Fans, journalists, and the awards’ own historical coverage still commonly use both names when referring to the same VMA statue.
The trophy is awarded across many VMA categories, not just Video of the Year. The first ceremony took place in 1984, and the statue’s lunar astronaut design helped distinguish the VMAs from more traditional music-industry awards.