Taylor Swift swept the awards for best artist, best live act, best American act, and her "Fortnight" collaboration with Post Malone was named best video.
Ariana Grande received the award for best pop and Liam Gallagher won the rock award.
The best hip-hop award went to Eminem and was presented by book-author Neneh Cherry and her daughter, artist Mabel.
Swedish House Mafia was nominated in the best electronic category, but the statuette went to Calvin Harris. The award for best Nordic act went to Zara Larsson.
The MTV European Music Awards were hosted for the third time by singer Rita Ora, who towards the end of the gala held an emotional speech in memory of the recently deceased Liam Payne.
I would like to take the opportunity to remember someone. Liam Payne was one of the kindest people I've ever met, said Ora.
Hip-hop musician Busta Rhymes was awarded the EMA Global Icon Award and Pet Shop Boys, who delivered a celebrated hits medley at the gala, received the pop pioneer award.
Other artists who performed at the gala, which was held this year in Manchester, UK, were Shawn Mendes, Peso Pluma, Raye, and the South Korean girl pop group Le Sserafim.
Best song: Sabrina Carpenter – "Espresso"
Best new artist: Benson Boone
Best artist: Taylor Swift
Best rock: Liam Gallagher
Best pop: Ariana Grande
Best video: Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone – "Fortnight"
Best live: Taylor Swift
Best Latin: Peso Pluma
Best electronic: Calvin Harris
Best alternative: Imagine Dragons
Best hip-hop: Eminem
Best k-pop: Jimin
