Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams to Co-Chair 2026 Met Gala

Key facts

• The 2026 Met Gala takes place on May 4 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
• Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams are confirmed co-chairs for the event.
• The theme is 'Costume Art' with a dress code of 'Fashion As Art'.
• Nicole Kidman is expected to wear a custom Chanel gown by Matthieu Blazy.
• Venus Williams will make her red carpet debut with husband Andrea Preti at the gala.
• The host committee is co-chaired by Zoë Kravitz and Anthony Vaccarello.
• The red carpet livestream will start early on Tuesday morning for Australian viewers.

The 2026 Met Gala Returns With a Star-Studded Lineup

The 2026 Met Gala is finally upon us, taking over the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 4. As tradition dictates, the event falls on the first Monday in May, meaning for Australians, the red carpet livestream will begin rolling from early on Tuesday morning. This year's theme is 'Costume Art', with the dress code officially set as 'Fashion As Art'.

Beyoncé, Kidman and Williams Lead as Co-Chairs

Anna Wintour has selected a trio of women to co-host the gala alongside her: Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams. Beyoncé, who has been absent from the event for the last decade, makes a highly anticipated return. Nicole Kidman, named an ambassador for the House of Chanel in October 2025, is expected to wear a custom Chanel gown by Matthieu Blazy. Venus Williams, best known for her tennis career, will make her red carpet debut with her husband Andrea Preti, whom she met at a Gucci show in Milan.

Host Committee Includes Kravitz and Vaccarello

The 2026 Met Gala host committee is co-chaired by Zoë Kravitz and Anthony Vaccarello, the latter serving as Creative Director at Saint Laurent. The committee comprises 27 individuals, all of whom are expected to attend. The full list of committee members includes notable figures from fashion, film, music and sports, though specific names beyond the co-chairs have not been disclosed.

Anticipated Celebrity Moments and Potential Debuts

Last year saw Rihanna announce a pregnancy ahead of the red carpet, debuting her bump on the streets nearby before walking onto the steps. This year, speculation is rife about similar headline-making moments. Observers are watching for Justin Bieber to join his wife Hailey on the carpet after a few years away, and whether Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will make their Met Gala debut together. Zoë Kravitz may also hard launch her relationship and engagement with Harry Styles.

Red Carpet Livestream and Viewing Details for Australia

For Australian audiences, the red carpet livestream will begin early on Tuesday morning, May 5. The confirmed hosts for the livestream have not been announced, but previous years have featured a mix of fashion journalists and celebrities. The event remains one of the most-watched fashion spectacles globally, with millions tuning in to see the outfits and celebrity arrivals.

What to Expect: Fashion as Art Takes Center Stage

With the theme 'Costume Art' and dress code 'Fashion As Art', designers are expected to push creative boundaries. The co-chairs and committee members are likely to collaborate with top fashion houses for custom creations. Beyoncé's choice of designer is particularly anticipated given her decade-long absence. The evening promises to blend high fashion with artistic expression, reinforcing the Met Gala's status as the fashion world's most prestigious fundraiser.

The bottom line

• The 2026 Met Gala will be held on May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with the theme 'Costume Art'.
• Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams are the co-chairs, marking Beyoncé's return after a decade.
• Nicole Kidman is expected to wear a custom Chanel gown by Matthieu Blazy.
• Venus Williams will debut on the red carpet with her husband Andrea Preti.
• The host committee includes 27 members co-chaired by Zoë Kravitz and Anthony Vaccarello.
• Australian viewers can watch the red carpet livestream early on Tuesday morning.