As the stars aligned for the highly anticipated 2025 Met Gala, the fashion world was abuzz with excitement. However, not all celebrities chose to grace the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art this year. Among the notable absentees were Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, a couple known for their glamorous public appearances. According to a source close to the couple, their decision to skip the gala was not influenced by Lively's ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni. Instead, it was described as being "not out of character" for the pair, who have previously opted out of the event. The source further emphasized that their choice had been made well before any legal issues arose.
Despite their absence from the Met Gala, Lively has remained active in the public eye. Recently, she attended the TIME 100 gala on April 24, 2025, where she was honored as one of the distinguished individuals on the list. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Lively expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, "It’s an honor to be acknowledged on the @time 100 list for 2025. To be written about by the great @sherrilynifill is not something I take lightly. Her work has shaped our nation... Thank you @time and thank you @sherrilynifill for one of the most surreal and meaningful moments of my life in this honor."
While Lively and Reynolds made headlines for their absence, another star captured attention at the Met Gala for his unusual approach to the event. Leonardo DiCaprio, who made his debut at the gala this year, attended with his girlfriend of two years, Vittoria Ceretti. However, in a surprising twist, DiCaprio chose not to walk the blue carpet. Instead, he slipped into the event discreetly, avoiding the spotlight that typically accompanies such a high-profile gathering.
Vogue reported on May 7, 2025, that DiCaprio was spotted inside the museum, just a few feet away from Ceretti, who dazzled onlookers in a Moncler x EE72 dress. Despite his efforts to maintain a low profile, a photographer managed to capture a rare image of the actor, showcasing him covering his face as he entered the venue. This marked DiCaprio's first attendance at the Met Gala, although his desire for privacy has led some to speculate that he may have attended in previous years without being recognized.
DiCaprio's girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti, has expressed her own feelings about dating someone with such a massive public presence. In a March 2025 interview with Vogue France, she shared her thoughts on the challenges that come with being in a relationship with a high-profile celebrity. "As soon as you're in a relationship with someone who has a larger following than you, you become ‘girlfriend of’—or ‘boyfriend of,’ for that matter. And that can be extremely annoying," she explained. "If what you're experiencing is real, if you know you love each other, then there's no reason to be alarmed. Because love protects and gives confidence."
While DiCaprio and Ceretti were not the only couple to turn the Met Gala into a date night, their unique approach certainly stood out. Other couples, such as Russell Wilson and Ciara, marked their first appearance at the gala together, with Ciara expressing her excitement about the occasion. "I was a little giddy tonight because he was getting prepared in one room, I was in the other. And so we saw each other after we got dressed," she shared.
Additionally, Adrien Brody and Georgina Chapman made an appearance, celebrating Brody's recent Oscar win. Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra returned to the Met Gala together, eight years after they first attended as guests of Ralph Lauren. Valentina Ferrer and J. Balvin, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab, Callum Turner and Dua Lipa, Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, Simone Biles and Jonathan Owen, James Corden and Julia Carey, Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon, as well as Pharrell Williams and Helen Lasichanh, all graced the event with their fashionable ensembles.
As the night unfolded, the Met Gala showcased a blend of high fashion and celebrity culture. With themes that celebrated artistry and creativity, attendees were eager to make a statement. The event served as a reminder of the intersection between fashion and fame, highlighting the ways in which celebrities navigate public scrutiny while expressing their individuality through style.
In this year's gala, the absence of Lively and Reynolds was notable, yet the presence of other influential figures like DiCaprio and Ceretti underscored the dynamic nature of celebrity culture. As the Met Gala continues to evolve, it remains a platform where fashion meets fame, and where personal choices—like those made by Lively and Reynolds—are just as significant as the glitz and glamour that define the evening.
