Who directed Madonna’s 1998 music video for “Ray of Light”?

Jonas Åkerlund directed Madonna’s 1998 music video for “Ray of Light.”

The video uses rapid time-lapse photography to compress everyday scenes into a vibrant portrait of movement and modern life. It includes footage from locations such as cities, roads, beaches, and natural landscapes, creating a visual contrast between busy urban activity and the wider world.

“Ray of Light” was the title track from Madonna’s seventh studio album, released in 1998. The song and video marked a major shift toward electronic and atmospheric music in her work. Åkerlund’s direction helped the video become one of the most recognizable visual releases from that era.

The video was highly successful at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards, where it won several awards, including Video of the Year. Åkerlund later directed other major music videos, including Madonna’s “Music” and Lady Gaga’s “Telephone.”