The 2026 Met Gala is set for Monday, May 4, according to multiple reports, and the event, themed “Costume Art,” will showcase the intersection of fashion and fine art, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Costume Institute’s exhibition will gather examples of clothed bodies from across the museum’s curatorial departments.

Controversy and Commentary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has decided to skip the event, citing a focus on affordability in the most expensive city in the United States. “My focus is also on affordability and making the most expensive city in the United States affordable,” he said in an interview with Hell Gate last month.

Jeff Bezos and his wife. Lauren Sánchez Bezos. Are the main benefactors of the 2026 event, according to CNN — they are also serving as honorary chairs. The official co-chairs include Beyoncé. Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour, as the event has sparked debate on social media, with many calling for a boycott following the announcement of the Bezoses’ participation.

Live Streaming and Coverage

For those unable to attend in person, E! will host a live broadcast of the 2026 Met Gala red carpet event, titled “Live From E!: Met Gala 2026,” starting at 6:00 p.m. EST. The coverage will be available on DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock. The event will be hosted by Justin Sylvester and featuring commentary from Keltie Knight, Zanna Roberts Rassi, Ciara Miller, Chris Appleton, and Christian Siriano, according to WWD.

Spanish viewers can also watch the event via Vogue.es and on Vogue’s YouTube and TikTok channels at 00:00 of the morning of May 5 (peninsular time). The event is known as “Los Oscars de la moda,” with the main goal of fundraising for the Costume Institute, which is the only section of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that must fund itself, according to El Independiente.

Confirmed Guests and Absences

Zendaya will not attend the 2026 Met Gala, according to Elle. The actress is taking a break following back-to-back press tours for her projects, including A24’s The Drama and Euphoria season three. She is also expected to be busy with upcoming releases, including Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and the third Dune film. Her absence means fans likely won’t see a joint appearance with Tom Holland at the event, as he has never attended the Met Gala before, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Confirmed guests include Sabrina Carpenter, Teyana Taylor, Zoë Kravitz, Chase Sui Wonders, and Jeff Bezos. The event will be co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. The 2026 Met Gala is also notable for including Lisa from BLACKPINK as one of the K-pop figures with an official role, according to LOS40.