Beyonce was the toast of the MTV Video Music Awards, as stars lined up to pay tribute to the biggest winner of the night.

The Crazy In Love superstar picked up the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award from her husband Jay-Z and daughter Blue Ivy, as well as three other moonman statues.

She scored a gong for best video with a social message for Pretty Hurts, as well as awards for best cinematography and best collaboration for Drunk In Love with Jay-Z. She also broke the record previously held by Justin Timberlake for the longest VMA performance ever after she performed an epic medley of hits, accompanied by a montage of clips and images from family home videos.

On the red carpet at The Forum in Inglewood, California, nominees, performers and presenters alike were all agreed that Beyonce was a worthy recipient of the honour.

Usher, who performed his new single Give It To You with Nicki Minaj, said: "For people like Beyonce who think bigger than music and bigger than the contribution that she makes, she continues to be a shining light, I love that. She is bigger than that."

Jessie J, who opened the show with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj with their first performance of Bang Bang, added: "Beyonce is somebody who when I met her, I held her hand and said thank you for making me know I can do it even when I feel like I can't. She's amazing so I'm excited to see her."

Beyonce was supported by her fellow Destiny's Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams and Michelle said she knew this was a day her old friend had worked for.

"I know that when this award was created I know in her mind, she worked hard to get here."

Charli XCX, who scored huge success this summer with her collaboration with Iggy Azalea on hit single Fancy, said she looked up to the superstar.

"She is one of the hardest working women in the industy and she is such a powerful sexy woman and incredibly talented, I think she's great."

Meanwhile Snoop Dogg, who was there to present an award with Gwen Stefani, added: "She deserves it, she's the queen. She is the best, she is the greatest."

The MTV Video Music Awards air on MTV UK at 9pm on Monday August 25.