2024 Met Gala: See All the Biggest Moments Including Zendaya, Cardi B and Kim Kardashian

Wow, that was one long, star-studded carpet! We got some truly memorable looks, too, which is wonderful. At least the Met Gala is never boring.

This year we got lots of flowers, lots of semi-sheer or nearly nude looks, lots of metallic tones and some next-level madness with some fantasy looks -- we even got some elf ears Karol G!

Good Met Gala, everybody! Nice work with the tree branches, Lana Del Rey! Cool ice purse, Camila Cabello! Hey, Ariana Grande, neat eye...wings? All around, good job, celebs!

Barry Keoghan -- decked out in a velvet suit and black top hat -- was absolutely smitten with Sabrina Carpenter inside the Met Gala.

The cute pair -- who have been rumored to be dating for months -- essentially debuted their romance tonight, and they couldn't have picked a more stylish opportunity.

It really has become a night for couples this year.

The songstress is heating up the carpet in a fiery red ensemble that really stood out in a sea of black, silver and cream colored looks.

Zendaya wasn't content rocking a total masterpiece at the Met Gala. Instead, she decided she needed to wear two iconic outfits!

Almost three hours after she walked the carpet, she returned in a giant, flowing, voluminous black gown with a giant hat covered in bright flowers.

She really wanted to make her mark this year, and she did indeed.

Dua Lipa went from hosting Saturday Night Live to playing a surprise gig in Times Square to stealing the spotlight at this year's Met Gala all in one weekend!

The famously blonde Sydney changed things up and debuted a jet-black, shorter 'do, possibly inspired by Snow White (although she already had Sleeping Beauty's blonde locks).

She looked stunning in a billowing, voluminous powder blue gown covered in dark flowers and leaf embellishments, making her look one of the more striking of the evening without being wildly over the top.

Rihanna is a mainstay at the Met Gala every year, and fans were excitedly waiting to see what she was going to bring to the carpet this year.

Sadly, that won't be happening!

ET has learned Rihanna is skipping Met Gala because she is sick with the flu. The flu! It's truly unfortunate, but maybe one day we'll get a look at what her gown would have looked like if fate took a different turn.

Cardi B knows how to make an entrance.

Cardi B knows how to steal the spotlight.

Cardi B knows how to rock unequaled glam.

Bring those incomparable talents together, and you have yet another stellar Met Gala moment from the artist!

After an eight-year absence, the "Confident" songstress hit the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday for fashion's biggest night -- and made a glamorous statement. 

She rocked a stylish chrome gown by Prabal Gurung, featuring metallic flower embellishments and diamond jewelry.

She's previously said how much she didn't enjoy going to the Met Gala, and how she had to flee and go a an AA meeting during a previous time... maybe she's giving it one more chance?

It's hard to put your finger on what makes Lana Del Rey and Kim Kardashian posing together look so mystical, but they really do!

Together they look like characters from the pilot of a wildly expensive HBO adaptation of a beloved cult fantasy novel from the '60s, but in a good way.

This year's Met Gala has been jam packed with couples -- but almost none quite have the adorable quality and sweet supportiveness exhibited by Dwyane and Gabrielle.

In a moment captured during he interview with ET's Rachel Smith on the carpet, Dwyane knows just what to do to make sure his wife isn't too glistening when she snaps pics under the hot lights.

After Amanda's silver look, the SKIMs founder is blending the silver aesthetic with the floral motif in a gown that features metallic leaves and petals.

Her appearance at the Met Gala on Monday comes just a few hours after her appearance at Netflix's live roast of Tom Brady. Luckily, the burns directed at her didn't leave any lasting impact, it would seem.

Keith and Nicole are always showstoppers when they hit a carpet together, but this year they are really upping their game with a bichromatic matching look.

When Amanda came out to the Met Gala in a black and silver ensemble, she was really giving of an art deco/'20s vibe -- like a sultry version of the Spirit of Columbia on the back of vintage liberty dimes (and yes, I admit that's a very obscure and specific reference, but there's been a whole lot of styles thus far, and only so many broad references one can make.)

Speaking with ET, however, Amanda revealed it was a Prada ensemble, and that she hoped it was giving "sexy Ursula" vibes -- which is also great, and a much more accessible reference than my liberty dime thing. So good work, Amanda.

For her ethereal, fairytale like look, Lana Del Rey leaned into the fantasy elements of the evening and came to the gala looking like a  mystical forest goddess who is devoted to protecting the woods from the evils of humanity.

That is to say the look includes a lot of tree branches and white, semi-sheer fabric, and it's just truly magical.

Ariana Grande's appearance on the red carpet coincided with Cynthia Erivo's arrival -- and it seems like it wasn't even planned!

The pair were overjoyed to see one another, and then adorably posed for photos together -- yet again getting fans excited for Wicked!

Taika Waititi and Rita Ora know how to steal a spotlight!

The couple are basking in the glory of their beauty -- especially Ora -- as they walk the carpet this year in some remarkably bold looks (again, especially Ora).

Given the "Garden of Time" and "Sleeping Beauties" themes, we've seen a myriad of recurring design elements thus far. Here are a few of the most common:

- Flowers: From bold and big to busy and bright, the flower power has been strong this year.

- Fairytale: There have been a ton of fantasy fashion choices and fairytale references -- even some elf ears!

- Sparkles: People love sparkles, so some stars have busted out the crystals and diamonds. It's always a sure bet!

Let's see if any other tropes emerge as the night goes on!

Flowers have played a big role in a lot of the celebs' looks this year, but Demi might be the grand champion when it comes to embracing the spirit of floral ensembles.

The actress is rocking a black and pink gown that truly gives her the impression of actually being a giant flower, and yet it's still chic and elegant in a truly unique way.

The singer and actress came out to celebrate the Met Gala theme in style with a lot of flowers and elegance.

Dove is showing off her flowing, cascading floral gown paired with a Brilliant Earth ring, and really blowing some minds with her flawless look.

Kris Jenner is always fashionable, and she looks happy and gorgeous alongside her chic beau, Corey Gamble.

The pair are rocking all-white ensembles to the event, and are showing just how cute Met Gala couples can be.

Sarah Jessica Parker walked alongside Andy Cohen on the carpet as they made their comeback to the Met Gala for the first time since 2018!

As it was pointed out online, Zendaya's dark and edgy look is also a brilliant reinterpretation of an ensemble worn by actress Suzanne Von Aichinger from the Dior 1999 show.

It's truly a Met Gala masterpiece on so many levels.

Gigi's pre-show golden glam was all in an effort to look like a stunning classic Hollywood goddess -- and it paid off.

Gigi is just radiating Grace Kelly vibes as she walked the carpet in a gorgeous, billowing white gown with yellow rose embellishments.

It's a dress that requires at least five attendants to help her move in as she walks up the iconic steps, and it's simply stunning.

This is Ayo's first ever Met Gala, and the talented young actress seems, at the very least, to be a tab bit overwhelmed by the fervor and the magnitude of the event.

Speaking with ET on the carpet, Ayo said that she was shocked by just how many people were at the gala, and was sort of thrown by the screaming of the hundreds of photographers. But ultimately, she said she's having fun.

She also coyly addressed (as much as she could) rumors that they are shooting season 3 and 4 of The Bear back to back, telling ET with a smile, "I cannot confirm or deny, but we're working hard."

The Schitt's Creek star is bringing a unique dichotomy of black void and  bursting color!

The actor is rocking a striking ensemble that features bright, colorful, floral-print pants that continue up his shirt before fading into a total blackness.

And let's not forget mentioning that 'stache!

Tyla's Met Gala look really is beyond compare, and can only be described as a metaphysical masterpiece in which she is a physical representation of time itself.

Her molded dress makes it look like she's wearing sand -- and the theme is further backed by the sand timer hourglass in her hands.

It's a stunning take on the fantastical themes of the night, for sure!

The former Glee star is all smiles at this year's Met Gala as she rocked a robin's egg blue dress, complete with frilly sleeves, and she cradles her growing baby bump!

The actress confirmed she's pregnant with baby no. 2 back in March, and today she's flaunting her bump with a big smile in one of the biggest fashion venues of the year!

Here's a good question to consider: How much mney is raised by the Met Gala, and where does it go?

Well, the annual event raises money for the Met's Costume Institute. And last year's gala raised a reported $22 million!

JLo is bringing the sparkle to the red carpet!

The singer, actress and event co-chair shimmered in a bejeweled, curve-hugging semi-sheer number that just stunned.

Zendaya, the queen of fashion surprises, has returned to the Met Gala after a five-year hiatus, and she's left all jaws droppeped with her epic look.

The ensemble is nothing short of spectacular, with dark eyeliner and bold, nature-inspired flourishes, she's exuding a fairytale witch vibe that is just bringing down the house.

Matt Damon and wife Luciana Barroso are picture perfect on their sweet date at the biggest night in fashion!

Good question!

While some pieces are displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's exhibition, it is unknown what happens to the rest of the Met Gala looks.

Bad Bunny -- another of the night's co-chairs -- hit the red carpet in a style that looks like it drew inspiration from bull fighters, renaissance artists and ancient ocean explorers.

It's a bold, striking ensemble that shows exactly why he was a perfect choice to co-chair!

Chris Hemsworth was cast as Thor in the MCU for a reason -- he looks downright godlike. 

Paired with his gorgeous wife, Elsa Pataky, at this year's Met Gala, and the two are practically radiant.

This is Chris's first year as a co-chair at the event, and his cream colored ensemble brings a simply but chic charm to the event, and allows his wife to really sparkle in glamourous gold.

The Game of Thrones alum is celebrating the "Sleeping Beauties" theme of the night with a stunning, magical, gravity-defying 'do.

The style looks like something out of The Hunger Games if it were set in the Harry Potter universe, and it simply rules. This is the wild style that the Met Gala should be all about.

The Vogue editor and general fashion tastemaker -- and Met Gala co-chair, and general pop culture titan -- has arrived!

The model stunned as one of the first stars of the night, and she revealed to ET that the dress took over 500 hours to hand-make due to the thousands of tiny crystal embellishments.

"It can barely breathe," Graham said with a laugh. "My organs have been moved together. This is not my normal waist."

After the highly anticipated red carpet, celebrity guests are invited inside the glamorous event, which is not recorded for the public. Each year, however, this is a formal dinner as well as an A-list performance. Past artists who have taken to the stage at the Met Gala have included Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna!

The news anchor is trying to figure out which earrings make the most sense for the night's theme, and is taking feedback from fans.

She's going for either mini-bird cage earrings or decorative, more abstract chandelier earrings.

Either way, fans will find out which direction she went when she hits the carpet soon.

Gigi Hadid gave fans a glimpse at what is going to certainly be a showstopping look in a snapshot posted to her Instagram stories.

The 29-year-old model shared a sneak peek at her prep -- which includes having her face covered in layers of gold leaf paint.

She's certainly got a mythical/fairytale vibe going, it would seem.

The event is invitation only for Anna Wintour's star-studded guests. However, members of the public are invited to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art to view the annual fashion exhibit dedicated to the year's theme. This year's exhibit runs from May 10 through Sept. 2, 2024. 

Thinking of snagging a Met Gala ticket? For most it's not a feasible price tag. According to the New York Times, not only is the Met Gala invite-only, but those who make the grade are expected to shell out $75,000 for one ticket. That's an increase of $25,000 from last year. The price for a table? It starts at $350,000, and the seating chart is quite the mission in and of itself.

By the way, Wintour has final say on who does and doesn't get an invite to the event.

While Anna Wintour has the final say on the annual event's guest list, there is no guaranteed way to score the invite. Those who don't make the initial list can find themselves on a waitlist. Many brands will buy out tables and invited celebrities as their personal guests, wearing their designs.  

It's called fashion's biggest night for a reason! With a theme and a dress code, celebrities who walk the red carpet of the Met Gala have clear guideposts and are called out if they ignore them. Going too far off the mark of the themes can result in public backlash.

When the Costume Institute began it was the Museum of Costume Art, which was formed in 1937. In 1946 that museum merged with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which became the new home of the Costume Institute. The annual gala began in 1948 to raise funds for the Costume Institute and was later referred to as the "Met Gala." Every year, the star-studded affair takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

The first Met Gala kicked off in 1948 and was initially known as The Costume Institute Benefit. It started as a midnight supper. At the time, ticket prices were a mere $50. In 1973 the evening issued its first theme. And in 1995, Vogue partnered with the event for the first time, putting Anna Wintour at the helm.

The Met Gala is how the star-studded event is commonly referred to, though it's formally called the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit. Each year, the Met Gala provides the department with its primary source of annual funding for exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, operations, and capital improvements. The first Met Gala kicked off in 1948. Last year, the event raised $22 million for the Costume Institute. 

Florals, for spring, groundbreaking. In February, the Met Gala announced that the dress code is "The Garden of Time," which is inspired by J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story of the same title. According to Vogue, "the most obvious interpretation would be to embrace the 'garden' part of 'The Garden of Time.' Think melancholic florals (as moody florals aren’t moody enough)."

Several fashion houses including Carolina Herrera and Vetements have already teased their contributions to the night's fashion.

In addition to the co-chairs, the Met Gala always boasts a star-studded guest list, complete with daring, demure, and delicate fashions. Anna Wintour is in charge of the guest list, keeping it mostly secret prior to the event. However, Rihanna has already confirmed her forthcoming appearance. Riri told British Vogue that she'll be at the swanky soirée while teasing her red carpet look.

"I'm gonna wear Fenty something! Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Fenty Savage," she confirmed.

Longtime Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour has served as a co-chair for the annual event since the magazine's partnership with Met Gala began in 1995. And this year's co-chairs also include Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Hemsworth, and Bad Bunny. Jonathan Anderson, creative director of LOEWE, and Shou Chew, TikTok's CEO, are honorary co-chairs.

The Met Gala takes place (almost) every year on the first Monday in May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The red carpet begins at 6 p.m. ET and runs until the final star (historically, Rihanna) arrives. 

This year's Met Gala theme is "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion." Max Hollein, CEO of The Met, said in a statement that the "innovative" exhibition -- and the accompanying star-studded annual fundraising gala -- will "push the boundaries of our imagination and invite us to experience the multisensory facets of a garment."

According to the announcement, the exhibition will include garments that span over 400 years, and will be "visually united by iconography related to nature, which will serve as a metaphor for the fragility and ephemerality of fashion."