Go Inside the Met Gala With These Unseen Celebrity Photos You Missed

Go behind the scenes of the Met Gala 2026 on May 4 with celebrity guests like Rihanna, Connor Storrie, Katy Perry, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and more as the VIPs party the night away.

By Brett M Malec May 05, 2026 4:29 AM
| Updated May 05, 2026 3:36 PM
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Watch: Go Inside the Met Gala With These Unseen Celebrity Photos You Missed

Wondering how you can score a last-minute invite to the Met Gala 2026? Well, wE!'ve got a backstage pass with your name on it.

Celebrate the first Monday in May by going behind the scenes of fashion's biggest night—a.k.a. the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual fundraiser—without even stepping foot in New York City. (See every star arrive on the Met Gala steps here.)

Thanks to celebrity guests like Cher and Rachel Sennott, fashion fans can peek inside the May 4 party co-chaired by the likes of Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Vogue's Anna Wintour through candid social media snaps (and even the occasional banned selfie).

Cher posted an adorable behind-the-scenes pic with fellow guest (and goddaughter) Jesse Jo Stark as they mixed and mingled inside the soiree. For this year's theme of "Costume Art" and dress code "Fashion Is Art," the "Believe" singer rocked a rocker-inspired black look and motorcycle jacket.

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Met Gala 2026 Fashion: See Every Celebrity Look

Meanwhile, Rachel—dressed in a pop art-inspired Marc Jacobs look—showed fans what it's really like prepping for fashion's biggest night with the help of her glam team and assistants.

Then there's Keke Palmer and Connor Storrie, who fanned out over each other after meeting up inside the swanky soiree. The Burbs actress and Heated Rivalry star flashed gigantic smiles as they hugged among the crowd.

And while stars are now free to snap as many selfies as they want without the fear of punishment, it hasn't always been that way.

In 2015, a "no social media" policy was implemented, prohibiting guests from turning the chic affair into a content-creating frenzy. 

Instagram/Rachel Sennott

"Anna is sort of an old-school traditionalist," former Vogue staffer Sylvana Ward Durrett explained to the New York Post in 2016 of the policy. "She likes a dinner party where people are actually speaking to each other."

That means guests should not be glued to their phones all night.

"We aren't sitting over people's shoulders," Sylvana added, "but if it's an obvious thing, we might gently remind them."

However, in recent years, the "no selfie" rule has become much more lax, allowing celebs to document their A-list run-ins from inside the exclusive dinner and costume exhibit. So, what antics are stars getting into this year?

Keep reading to see all the BTS photos from inside the 2026 Met Gala...

Rihanna, Heidi Klum & A$AP Rocky

The stars prove fashion's biggest night isn't that serious.

LISA, JENNIE, Rosé, Jisoo, Margot Robbie, Ayo Edebiri, Gracie Abrams & Rachel Sennott

The A-list guests take a break from partying during the biggest night in fashion May 4 to pose for a star-studded bathroom mirror selfie at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Venus Williams, Nicole Kidman & Beyoncé

The 2026 co-chairs welcome guests to the party of the year.

Olivia Wilde & Katy Perry

About face. The singer reveals her true identity to the actress.

Russell Wilson & Ciara

The NFL star plants a smooch on the singer.

Connor Storrie & Hudson Williams

Instead of the cottage, the Heated Rivalry costars head to the bathroom for a mirror selfie.

Sabrina Carpenter & Stevie Nicks

The music icons hold hands for a stirring performance inside the gala.

Kendall Jenner

The supermodel takes flight while touring the fashion exhibit.

Blake Lively & Anne Hathaway

The pair look like real-life princesses.

Zoe Kravitz, Lily-Rose Depp & Gracie Abrams

What's the gossip? 

Tate McRae, Rosé & Connor Storrie

The stars bust a move on the dance floor.

Rihanna, Ciara & Katy Perry

The chart-toppers are in synch inside the gala.

Heidi Klum

Where's Waldo? More like, "Where is the supermodel?"

Sabrina Carpenter

The singer clearly has "Taste" when it comes to what's in fashion.

Kris Jenner & Stella McCartney

Reunited and it feels so good.

Sam Smith & Madonna

The music legends are in perfect harmony during the party.

Teyana Taylor & Connor Storrie

Getting heated! The actors hug it out while having a blast.

Chase Sui Wonders, Maya Hawke, Patrick Schwarzenegger & Hailey Bieber

Talk about a talented foursome.

Lisa & Hudson Williams

When TV stars unite. The White Lotus actress and Heated Rivalry star strike a pose.

Rachel Sennott

The I Love LA star banks some BTS content for her fans.

Jisoo, Rosé, Lisa & Jennie of Blackpink

The K-Pop superstars reunite.

Patrick Schwarzenegger

The White Lotus star treats himself to a little dessert after a busy night.

Lena Dunham & Ben Platt

The BFFs fit right in among the fabulous 'fits on display.

Head to E! Online for every must-see moment from the Met Gala 2026.