Why Meryl Streep is Skipping the 2026 Met Gala: A Look at the Controversy

A Missed Opportunity for a Fashion Icon

It could have been a legendary cinematic moment. Meryl Streep, known for her portrayal of a fictionalized Anna Wintour in the beloved film The Devil Wears Prada, is notably absent from the Met Gala 2026. The sequel to the film debuted in theaters on May 1, just before the much-anticipated annual fashion event. While co-stars Emily Blunt and Simone Ashley are expected to grace the gala, Streep, embodying the character Miranda Priestly, will not be attending.

This year, billionaires Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos are co-chairs of the event, leading to a wave of celebrities opting out in protest.

Streep's Decision Linked to Bezos' Involvement

Meryl Streep won’t attend Met Gala 2026

According to a report from The Hollywood Report, Streep has chosen to skip the gala due to the involvement of Jeff Bezos. Not only is he co-chairing the event alongside his wife, but Amazon, his company, is also the main sponsor. This year's theme, 'Fashion Is Art,' has drawn criticism, with accusations that the couple bought their invitations. This has led to a social media backlash and calls for a boycott from various celebrities.

In New York, where the gala takes place annually, signs advocating for a boycott of the Bezos-led event have been spotted for weeks. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has also announced his absence from the gala. Zendaya, who has attended for the last seven years, is another notable figure skipping the event. Rumors swirl around Lady Gaga, who has a cameo in The Devil Wears Prada 2, but her attendance remains unconfirmed.

Streep's Stance on the Event

More about the Met Gala 2026

Streep's representative confirmed her invitation to this year's gala, stating that while she respects Vogue and Anna Wintour's creativity, the event has never felt like her scene. The Oscar-winning actress has received invitations in the past but has consistently declined them.

This year's Met Gala will also feature co-chairs like Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, with a host committee that includes Anthony Vaccarello, Doja Cat, and actresses such as Elizabeth Debicki and Zoë Kravitz. After a decade-long hiatus, Beyoncé is set to return to the Met Gala, which is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on the first Monday of May.