The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art will look slightly different this year as one of its most anticipated recurring stars, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, has confirmed she will not attend the 2026 Met Gala.
The global icon, who has become a fixture of the event since her viral trench-coat debut in 2017, is reportedly skipping the prestigious fundraiser due to a demanding international work schedule. Sources close to the actress indicate that her absence is tied to the intensive promotional tour for the second season of her high-octane spy series, Citadel.
A Conflict of Calendars
While fashion enthusiasts were eager to see Chopra’s interpretation of this year’s theme, Fashion Is Art, the timing simply did not align. The second season of Citadel is scheduled for a major global premiere on May 6, 2026, just two days after the gala. Chopra is currently spearheading an extensive press tour that has her traveling across multiple continents.
Furthermore, following the series launch, the actress is expected in Los Angeles for the Gold House Gala on May 9. For the second consecutive year, she will be honored with the Global Vanguard Award, an accolade celebrating her contributions to international entertainment and her work as a cultural bridge-builder.
The Queen of the Met Steps
Chopra’s absence marks a rare break in her streak of iconic appearances. Over the years, she has earned a reputation as a “Queen Bee” of the red carpet, often delivering experimental and internet-breaking looks that lean heavily into the Costume Institute’s annual themes.
From her 2018 heavenly bodies-inspired velvet gown and gold hood to her whimsical 2019 “Camp” ensemble alongside husband Nick Jonas, her presence has consistently set the tone for the evening’s fashion discourse.
Other Notable Absences
Chopra is not the only major star missing from the 2026 guest list. Fellow Indian superstar Deepika Padukone is also expected to skip the event this year. Reports suggest Padukone is prioritizing her film commitments, specifically the production of her upcoming projects King and Raaka, while also balancing her personal life as she prepares for the arrival of her second child.
What to Expect at the 2026 Gala
Despite the absence of these red-carpet veterans, the 2026 Met Gala remains the most significant night in the fashion industry. This year’s event is co-chaired by a powerhouse lineup including Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams.
The theme, Fashion Is Art, encourages attendees to blur the lines between wearable garments and sculptural masterpieces. While fans will undoubtedly miss the “Priyanka effect” on the museum steps, the actress expressed her excitement for the event as a spectator, noting in a recent interview that she looks forward to seeing how her peers interpret the “creative freedom” the 2026 dress code provides.
The Met Gala serves as the primary fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, kicking off its spring exhibition, Costume Art. To
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