Since 1972, the Met Gala has been one of the most exclusive events for A-list celebrities. However, many famous names have never graced the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, including all three members of the 'Brangelina' love triangle: Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie.
Jennifer Aniston confirmed last September that she had received invitations in the past but found the experience 'overwhelming.' The 57-year-old Friends alum told Glamour, 'It's the getting ready, the putting on the dress. I'm a "jeans and flip-flops and tank top" kind of girl. I love dressing up too, but for me it's a mental game.' She added, 'You get to a place in life where none of it really matters at the end of the day.'
Angelina Jolie's absence is surprising given her fashion ventures. In 2023, she opened Atelier Jolie in Manhattan, and in 2024, she designed a silver-pleated gown for Suleika Jaouad, worn at the Academy Awards. Brad Pitt and Jolie's divorce was finalized in 2024, two decades after their on-set romance during Mr. & Mrs. Smith while Pitt was still married to Aniston.
Tom Holland also avoids the Met Gala, telling Men's Health last year, 'It's not my moment, it's her moment, and if we go together, it's about us.' The 29-year-old actor reportedly stayed at a nearby hotel while his rumored wife Zendaya walked the red carpet in 2024.
Other notable no-shows include Mariah Carey, Adele, and Christina Aguilera. Adele might make her debut this year, as The Sun reported on April 4 that co-chair Beyoncé could be the reason. Dolly Parton, despite her love for fashion, has never attended; she hosted a pet gala parody in 2024.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been excluded, reportedly due to Anna Wintour's allegiance to the British Royal Family. The Met Gala is now financed by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, who did not invite the couple to their wedding.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is expected to attend for the first time this year, according to Page Six. Meryl Streep may also debut, as she was set to co-chair the canceled 2020 event. Other legends like Jane Fonda, Sophia Loren, Rita Moreno, and Carol Burnett have never attended.
Drake explained his absence in his 2022 song 'Sticky,' rapping about plus-one restrictions. Robert Downey Jr., Jon Hamm, and Ryan Gosling have also been no-shows. Britney Spears skipped the gala in 2022, posting that she preferred staying home with her dog. Helena Bonham Carter revealed she was never invited, with Rihanna joking about her eccentric dresses.
Leonardo DiCaprio has never walked the red carpet but sneaked into last year's event, captured by Vogue with his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti. Individual tickets for next Monday's gala have risen to $100,000, with tables starting at $350,000. This year's dress code is 'Fashion Is Art,' and the exhibition runs from May 10, 2025 to January 10, 2027.
