“Formation” won the Grammy for Best Music Video at the 59th Grammy Awards.
Beyoncé released “Formation” on February 6, 2016, as a surprise single. The song was written by Beyoncé, Khalif Joseph, Asheton Hogan, and others, and its production incorporates elements associated with New Orleans bounce music.
Its music video, directed by Melina Matsoukas, uses imagery connected to Black Southern culture, Hurricane Katrina, police violence, and African American identity. The visual’s references include New Orleans architecture, a young dancer confronting police officers, and Beyoncé standing on a flooded police car.
At the 59th Grammy Awards, held in February 2017, “Formation” won Best Music Video. The song also earned Beyoncé the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Performance with Kendrick Lamar for “Freedom” not; that was a different category and song from Lemonade. “Formation” itself is therefore best identified by the video award, not by assuming every Lemonade nomination belonged to the same track.