Justin Timberlake leads the pack with six nominations going into Sunday’s Video Music Awards, but there’s one honor the former *NSYNC front man won’t need to worry about winning, since the trophy already has his name on it: The prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
Given to a performer for his or her effect on the MTV culture and generation, the Moonman — also known as the Lifetime Achievement Award — will celebrate Timberlake’s two decade long career, from his early days in *NSYNC to his solo success, most recently with his 20/20 Experience album.
Joining the likes of past winners Madonna (1986), Michael Jackson (who won the award in 1988 and found it named after him in 1991) and his ex, Britney Spears (2011), Timberlake will receive his award from pal Jimmy Fallon. The Video Vanguard will just be the latest in Timberlake’s trophy case; to date, he has earned a whopping 14 VMAs as a solo artist and member of *NSYNC, putting him second behind Madonna in total VMA wins.
Ahead of Sunday’s VMAs — which will feature a performance by Timberlake, rumored to be joined by his *NSYNC band mates — revisit past Video Vanguard winners in the Vine video above!
The 2013 MTV Video Music Awards air live from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center Aug. 25 at 9 p.m. (EST).
