While Hollywood’s biggest names climbed the iconic Met steps, one A-lister was nowhere to be found. Timothée Chalamet skips Met Gala 2026 entirely on Monday night, opting for sneakers over tuxedos and a basketball court instead of a red carpet.
The annual Met Gala is fashion’s biggest night, and Kylie Jenner arrived alone. She walked the carpet in a custom gown, photographed without her famous boyfriend. Meanwhile, Chalamet was three miles north, fully locked into a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.
The Dune star watched the New York Knicks face off against the Philadelphia 76ers. Witnesses described Chalamet as relaxed and completely engaged, cheering and reacting like any other fan in the building. He wore a casual hoodie and cap, a deliberate contrast to the glamour happening downtown.
Neither Chalamet nor Jenner has publicly explained why Timothée Chalamet skips Met Gala this year. Sources close to the couple point to a combination of scheduling conflicts and a desire for a low-key night. The actor has never been entirely comfortable with the high-pressure fashion circuit, often describing himself as awkward on carpets.
Jenner worked the room inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, posing alongside fashion elites. Chalamet worked a hot dog at halftime. The split decision sent social media into a spiral, with fans debating which choice was the real power move.
This isn’t the first time Timothée Chalamet skips Met Gala in favor of normalcy. He has previously spoken about needing to protect his private life. Monday night suggests that for Chalamet, a Knicks game will always beat a carpet. And honestly? That might be the most relatable thing about him.
