Pop Culturette Flashback: MTV VMAs 1996 Were Raw, Random, and Unfiltered

By Alexus Mosley

In the 90s, the MTV VMAs were unpredictable, flashy, and a little unhinged. The 1996 ceremony captured that energy perfectly, serving up red carpet moments that were bold, random, and refreshingly unfiltered. This was peak pre-social media celebrity culture, so most stars weren’t arriving with perfectly curated narratives or viral-ready styling moments, but as their playful and messy selves, and the red carpet reflected it. This was a cultural party, where fashion, music, and personality collided in real time. What stands out most in photos from that night is the attitude and loose energy. The poses feel spontaneous. There’s a certain charm in the lack of polish, making the moments feel human.

These were the days when pop culture thrived on unpredictability. The photos below capture it perfectly:

Snoop Dogg and 2pac
Photo Credit/Getty Images

Jenny McCarthy & Geena Davis
Photo Credit/Getty Images

Toni Braxton and Dennis Rodman
Photo Credit/Getty Images

Coolio and Claudia Schiffer
Photo Credit/Getty Images

Angie Everhart & Veronica Webb
Photo Credit/Getty Images

Rosie O’Donnell
Photo Credit/Getty Images

Jenny McCarthy
Photo Credit/Getty Images

sweettaximedia.comFebruary 17, 2026