Fashion’s biggest night, which this year drew criticism over the involvement of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and wife Lauren Sánchez, again proved to be a decidedly Timothée Chalametless affair.
The Marty Supreme Oscar nominee wasn’t alone in skipping the 2026 Met Gala, as his fellow Dune franchise star Zendaya, among others, also opted to refrain from the high-fashion proceedings that typically dominate headlines every May.
Below, we take a closer look at some of the biggest stars who were nowhere to be seen at this year’s event.
Timothée Chalamet
Chalamet chose his beloved New York Knicks over the 2026 Met Gala. His romantic partner Kylie Jenner, meanwhile, opted for the latter while rocking an eyebrowless look.
Zendaya
Zendaya’s 2026 has proven to be a decidedly stacked year, including the return of Euphoria and multiple high-profile film projects. Her absence from the 2026 Met Gala was expected, though she’s made memorable appearances at the event in the past.
Harry Styles
In recent weeks, Styles and Zoë Kravtiz have been the subject of engagement rumors. He did not make an appearance at the 2026 Met Gala, however, though Kravitz was indeed on hand.
Taraji P. Henson
“I am so confused by some ppl that are going,” Henson wrote in an Instagram comment ahead of the 2026 Met Gala, referencing the aforementioned Bezos involvement. “I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING?”
Taylor Swift
Though it’s been quite a bit since we last saw Swift at a Met Gala, fans were holding out hope that 2026 would mark her return. These hopes, however, were ultimately dashed.
Justin Bieber
Fresh off his show-stealing Grammys performance and Coachella headlining gigs, Bieber sat out the 2026 Met Gala. However, his wife, Hailey Bieber, was in attendance.
Lewis Hamilton
One could be forgiven for assuming that Lewis Hamilton might hit the Met Gala with Kim Kardashian. Tragically, this failed to materialize.
Bella Hadid
Though her sister, Gigi, was on hand for the 2026 Met Gala, Bella again declined to take part.
Ariana Grande
Grande has an arena tour on the way, plus a new album, which might explain her absence from Monday’s Met Gala proceedings.
Me
I too declined to attend, despite never having been invited.
