Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award is presented at the MTV Video Music Awards to music performers , recognizing accomplishments in music and film . The first Vanguard awards were presented in 1984 at the inaugural VMAs , and renamed in 1991 in honor of Michael Jackson . The award is also given to music video directors who have created some of the most acclaimed music videos aired by the network . Awarded corporately , it is not given annually , and in certain years it was presented under the name Lifetime Achievement Award
the inaugural VMAs
1984 MTV Video Music Awards
Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award