The Met Gala is one of the biggest nights in fashion, but a number of A-listers are expected to be missing from this year’s red carpet.
On Monday (May 4), the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will once again host the annual Met Gala, with celebrities arriving in their most eye-catching outfits for the high-profile fundraiser.
This year marks the first time Anna Wintour’s invitation-only event has sponsorship from Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez — a partnership that has drawn plenty of debate.
The newly married couple are believed to have put forward an eight-figure contribution to support the gala and will serve as co-hosts in an honorary co-chair capacity.
While organisers have welcomed their backing, critics have suggested the arrangement amounts to them ‘buying’ a seat at one of the fashion world’s most exclusive events.
Bezo’s reported political affiliations, along with renewed scrutiny over Amazon’s labour practices, have also fuelled the backlash, with demonstrations even taking place across the US.
Even with the chatter surrounding the sponsorship, several well-known stars appear to be sitting the night out. None of them have publicly linked their absence to Bezo’s involvement.
Zendaya is among the most notable names missing, despite being a frequent Met Gala standout and typically one of the evening’s most talked-about attendees.
According to reports, she’s skipping the event due to a packed work schedule, as she continues promoting and preparing for projects including The Drama and Euphoria.
Lady Gaga — another familiar face at the gala — also may not attend the 2026 event, as her appearance has yet to be confirmed. Over the years, she’s delivered some of the night’s most memorable entrances, including in 2019 when she revealed three different looks on the carpet.
Meryl Streep is also said to have passed on her invitation, even though the gala lands just days after the release of The Devil Wears Prada 2. Streep plays Miranda Priestly — a role widely believed to have been inspired by Wintour.
A representative for the actress told The Independent that Streep has been invited for “many years but has never attended”, adding, “While she appreciates Vogue, Anna, and her incredible imagination and stamina, it has never quite been her scene.”
Despite the criticism, Wintour has spoken positively about Sánchez and her role in supporting the 2026 Met Gala.
“I think Lauren is going to be a wonderful asset to the museum and to the event.
“I’m very grateful for her incredible generosity. We’re thrilled she’s part of the night,” she previously told CNN.