Why Jennifer Garner Hasn’t Gone to the Met Gala Since 2007 Debut

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Jennifer Garner is all about having a “yes” day—just not on the first Monday of May. 

The Met Gala on May 4th is set to be a star-studded event, with Beyoncé expected to walk the red carpet for the first time in ten years. However, Jenna Ortega won’t be attending; she hasn’t been to the gala since 2007.

Jennifer shared in a 2023 Vogue interview that she only attended the Met Gala once. She said she found the experience a bit intimidating and hasn’t returned since.

Although recreating the entire event proved too difficult for the 54-year-old, she still fondly remembered the evening, which celebrated the work of fashion designer Paul Poiret and was themed around his life and designs.

Jennifer recalled wearing a stunning red Valentino gown that night, and remembered how particularly special it was to walk up the steps with Valentino Garavani himself. She described the experience as truly majestic.

Looking back, it’s a really special moment. Jennifer had recently starred in the romantic movie Catch and Release and was attending her first—and only—Met Gala. She made a statement in a striking, red, strapless gown with a classic sweetheart neckline. She shares three children—Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 14—with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck.

Her Valentino outfit feels current enough for today’s red carpets, but the styling is distinctly from its time. The 13 Going on 30 actress styled her hair in a twisted side bun with side-swept bangs, and completed the look with dangling gold earrings and a red clutch.

Jennifer isn’t alone in being unsure about returning to the Met Gala. Gwyneth Paltrow said back in 2013 she’d ‘never’ go again, describing the event to USA Today as hot, packed, and just not enjoyable.

Though she eventually returned in 2017, and again in 2019, she’s still not fully sold on the gala. 

Gwyneth Paltrow admitted she has mixed feelings about the Met Gala, something she’s talked about publicly before, in a March post on her website, Goop.

Unlike Jennifer, actress Marty Supreme may attend the upcoming “Costume Art” themed event. However, she definitely won’t take part in one specific activity at the party.

Gwyneth explained she’d never do anything outlandish at the Met Ball. ‘I always have to be true to myself,’ she said. ‘You won’t see me showing up in a silly costume – I’ll be wearing a dress, as always.’

Keep reading for celebrities who have never been to fashion’s biggest night…

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2026-05-04 17:17