If you’re an A-list celebrity (or at this point, a relatively famous TikTok star), chances are you’re getting invited to the Met Gala. While the yearly event is infamous for its super-coveted guest list, it’s not actually that hard to get an invite. Basically (unless you’re banned…which is a thing), you just have to be super famous, culturally relevant, and part of the zeitgeist.
But weirdly, some of THE most relevant people in the industry have still never been to the Met Gala, and some of them are kinda shocking? For instance…
Adele
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She couldn’t be more A-list, but nope, she’s never been! For a while, it was likely because she was kept booked and busy with her long-running Las Vegas residency, but even after that wrapped in November 2024, Adele still didn’t make an appearance at last year’s Met Gala (though rumor has itshe could make an appearance this year now that Beyoncé is co-chair…).
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith
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Unclear why Will and Jada have never attended (they’ve presumably been invited!), especially since their children, Jaden and Willow Smith, have both attended the famed event.
Meryl Streep
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Meryl is possibly the most famous actor ever…and yet she has never attended the Met Gala. She was reportedly going to be a co-chair at the Met Gala in 2020, but the event was canceled due to the pandemic and she didn’t step back into the role. Perhaps this year she’ll pop up in honor of The Devil Wears Prada 2?
Mariah Carey
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The fact that we’ve been continually denied a Mariah Carey Met Gala appearance is…kind of criminal, no?
Jennifer Aniston
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’Kay, this is honestly shocking. No clue why JenAn has never been to the Met Gala…guess she’s simply too cool for such things!
Angelina Jolie
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Splashy celeb events aren’t really Angie’s thing, so this one isn’t a shock. And before you ask…
Brad Pitt
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Angelina and Jennifer’s mutual ex Brad Pitt has also never attended the Met Gala despite being all kinds of A-list.
Dolly Parton
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The Met would be lucky to have her, but it’s simply not her vibe!
Jon Hamm
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Unlike many of these celebs, the Met Gala very much seems like something Jon would be into, but he has still never attended. Here’s hoping that he and his wife Anna Osceola surprise fans by rolling up this year.
Meghan Markle
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Duchess Meghan has never been to the Met Gala despite being super famous and influential, but perhaps her friendship with Beyoncé will mean an appearance from her and Prince Harry in our good year 2026?
Guess we’ll have to wait and see!