Rihanna scooped the coveted Video of the year prize at Thursday night's MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) - and celebrated with a hug from Chris Brown.

The songstress picked up the gong for We Found Love, which also features DJ Calvin Harris.

Rihanna - who opened the ceremony with hits Cockiness and We Found Love - made her way onto the stage to thank fans after her name was announced.

"MTV thank you so much, but most importantly, my fans thank you so much for voting," she said. "My Navy. Rihanna Navy... it's Navy or die. I love you guys, thank you, this is awesome."

Rihanna was seen making her way off stage and sharing an intimate moment with ex Chris.

The former couple - who have sparked speculation of a reconciliation of late - hugged and appeared to give each other a friendly kiss in the pictures which were taken as screenshots during a live feed of the show.

Chris was also a winner at Thursday night's event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The R&B star took home Best male video for Turn Up the Music.

Nicki Minaj won the Moonman trophy for the female equivalent. The ever-colourful star was recognised for her Starships promo, and took to the stage to gratefully receive the award.

"Oh my god!" she exclaimed several times. "I really didn't expect this. Barbz, I know you're out there, I love you so much. To my Barbz, my Ken Barbz, Young Money Cash Money. I just can't believe this even happened."

However, British boyband One Direction were the act to dominate the winner's board at the ceremony.

The five-piece - comprising of Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Niall Horan - scooped a total of three awards. They picked up gongs for Best new artist, Most share-worthy video, and Best pop video - for their debut hit What Makes You Beautiful.

Taylor Swift also stunned at the annual event - despite not picking up an accolade. The country songstress performed her new hit We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together dressed in tiny black shorts and accompanied by band members dressed in furry costumes dancing on stage.

Other winners at the ceremony included Demi Lovato for Best video with a message and Coldplay for Best rock video.

List of winners at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs):

Best new artist:
One Direction, What Makes You Beautiful

Video of the year:
Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris, We Found Love

Most share-worthy video:
One Direction, What Makes You Beautiful

Best pop video:
One Direction, What Makes You Beautiful

Best hip-hop video:
Drake featuring Lil Wayne, HYFR

Best female video:
Nicki Minaj, Starships

Best male video:
Chris Brown, Turn Up the Music

Best electronic dance music video:
Calvin Harris, Feel So Close

Best video with a message:
Demi Lovato, Skyscraper

Best rock video:
Coldplay, Paradise