Who is the biggest winner in the MTV VMA Best Cinematography category?

Harris Savides is the biggest winner in the MTV VMA Best Cinematography category, with three wins.

Savides was an acclaimed American cinematographer known for atmospheric, often unconventional imagery in music videos, films and commercials. His VMA wins include work on Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson’s “Scream,” Marilyn Manson’s “The Dope Show” and Coldplay’s “The Scientist.” These victories span the 1990s and 2000s and established him as the category’s leading individual winner.

The category has recognized cinematographers under several names. From 1984 through 2006 it was called Best Cinematography in a Video; after a one-year absence, it returned in 2008 as Best Cinematography. The award is presented in connection with the music video’s artist and director of photography.

A frequent source of confusion is the difference between individual cinematographer wins and artist totals. Beyoncé has the most wins among performers in this category, with four, while Harris Savides leads the overall winner count. Daniel Pearl has the most nominations among cinematographers.