The Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual gala commenced on Monday, May 4th, transforming the first Monday in May into a broadcast event. This year's spectacle saw a confluence of prominent figures from Hollywood and beyond gracing the red carpet, with extensive live-streaming options available for global viewership.
Coverage and Access
The "biggest night in fashion," as it's often labeled, featured extensive coverage. Live streams kicked off at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET. Viewers could tune into various platforms for red carpet arrivals, which typically spanned around three hours.
Streaming options included services like Peacock, DirecTV, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV.
Some providers, such as DirecTV, offered free trial periods, allowing for temporary access.
Partners for this year's livestream production included Full Day Productions, Feed the Animals, and Dream Machine, with Vogue also participating in the broadcast.
E! presented a three-hour special, "Live From E!: Met Gala 2026," promising comprehensive coverage and analysis of the arrivals.
Notable Attendees and Sponsorship
The event saw a host of familiar faces. Celebrities expected to attend and walk the red carpet included:
Beyoncé
Nicole Kidman
Venus Williams
Sabrina Carpenter
Teyana Taylor
Lena Dunham
Misty Copeland
A'ja Wilson
Doja Cat
Sam Smith
Angela Bassett
Chase Sui Wonders
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos served as lead sponsors and honorary chairs for the 2026 Met Gala. Other expected members of the host committee included Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz.
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Event Context
The Met Gala, a significant fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, is held annually at the museum in New York City. While the gala itself remains private, the red carpet procession is widely televised and streamed, offering a glimpse into the elaborate fashion and celebrity presence.