Met Gala 2026 at Metropolitan Museum

Honorary chairs included Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos, marking the first instance of a tech executive in that role. According to a report cited in Business Insider, the gala raised $42 million, with sponsorships covering event costs.

Red carpet arrivals featured Anna Wintour in a feathery custom Chanel gown. Nicole Kidman wore a red, long-sleeved beaded column gown by Chanel, accompanied by her daughter Sunday Rose. Venus Williams appeared in a black sparkling gown with a silver, jewel-encrusted neckpiece.

Lauren Sánchez Bezos selected a Schiaparelli gown referencing John Singer Sargent's "Madame X" painting. Broadway star Joshua Henry performed Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," supported by dancers and a band on the museum steps.

The event's proceeds benefit the Costume Institute, according to statements from supporters referenced in Business Insider. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has not commented on the event's costs or related protests, as noted in the same report.

Protests occurred over the involvement of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos as honorary chairs. " Protesters also placed posters around the city, hid bottles inside the museum, and installed displays outside. A group of Amazon workers organized a counter-event called the "Ball Without Billionaires" on May 4.

" Social media posts showed 70% unfavorable sentiment toward the couple's role, with 13,000 posts on X advocating a boycott, per Business Insider analysis. " Actor Taraji P. Henson commented on a related video expressing confusion about some attendees' participation.

New York City Council Member Zohran Mamdani did not attend, according to reports. A 2025 Harris Poll indicated 47% of respondents held negative views of billionaires, up from the prior year. Billionaire wealth reached $15.8 trillion in the previous year, a 13% increase from 2024, according to a UBS report cited in Business Insider.

Other co-chairs like Beyoncé received less criticism, per the same source. The event continued with live coverage and celebrity arrivals.