Met Gala 2026 best dressed: Nicole Kidman, more channel artsy glamour

If you can make it at the Met Gala, you can make it anywhere — or at the very least strut down a runway or two.

Hollywood's finest descended upon the Big Apple on Monday, May 4, for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual fundraising gala, which has become a pop culture staple for its star-studded guest list and boundary-pushing red-carpet looks.

This year's theme, "Costume Art," pays homage to the intersection of fashion and history, challenging stars and designers to churn out fashion-forward looks that highlight the intrinsic artistry of style and dress-making.

Among the A-listers bringing their sartorial best to the red carpet are gala co-chairs Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams, as well as Zoë Kravitz, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat and others.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman attends the 2026 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 4, 2026.

The Oscar-winning actress, 58, sparkled on the Met steps in a red sequined Chanel dress, which echoed the scarlet frock Kidman wore as Satine in the Baz Luhrmann musical. The gown's feathery sleeves offered a campy flair that made the look equal parts showgirl and high-fashion model.

Kidman also posed on the red carpet with her daughter, Sunday Rose, 17. When asked about the inspiration for her all-red look, Kidman said on the carpet that the outfit represents "vitality" and "love."

Nicole Kidman, right, and daughter Sunday Rose Kidman Urban attend the 2026 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 4, 2026.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz attends the 2026 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 4, 2026.

"The Batman" actress, 37, was a pure gothic dream in a lacy black number by Yves Saint Laurent. The dress's loose-fitting design allowed the intricate sheer pattern to shine.

Emma Chamberlain

The social media influencer and model, 24, was a painting come to life in a multicolored floor-length gown. The ensemble's combination of bright and dark hues, resembling a swirl of watercolors, gave the look dimension, while the dress's flowy hem added an ethereal touch.

Connor Storrie

The "Heated Rivalry" star, 26, was an immediate standout with an androgynous ensemble from Yves Saint Laurent. Storrie initially hit the red carpet in a dapper black suit; he then removed his jacket to reveal a black-and-white, polka-dotted halter top.

Connor Storrie attends the 2026 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 4, 2026.

The halter top provided a refreshing feminine contrast to the outfit’s traditional dress slacks, while the top’s elongated scarf made Storrie glide across the red carpet.

Lisa

Lisa attends the 2026 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 4, 2026.

The K-pop singer and Blackpink member, 29, was a vision in white in a three-dimensional, sheer gown by Hong Kong designer Robert Wun. The avant-garde ensemble leapt off the red carpet thanks to a beaded veil, which was held up by a pair of mannequin arms modeled after a 3D print of the singer.

Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste attends the 2026 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 4, 2026.

The Grammy-winning R&B singer, 39, glowed in an all-white ERL suit, which combined a puffy, floor-length jacket with a retro-style shirt and enlarged bow tie.

This story has been updated to add new information.