The Met Gala red carpet has come and gone, but there were countless iconic moments inside the event.
After all, the annual fashion fundraiser is more than just the epic procession of stars up New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art front steps—there is also the dinner and party that happen within the building. (See all the stars on the red carpet here.)
And despite the no cell phone rule—which Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour instated to ensure guests stay present during the event—there are plenty of cameras inside capturing every candid moment throughout the night.
For instance, while Halle Bailey stunned on the carpet in a Coach tuxedo-inspired mini dress, she let things loose within the museum, posing for photos with The White Lotus‘ Sydney Sweeney and Lisa.
There were also sweet photos of Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber catching up, after stunning on the carpet in menswear-themed dresses from Torishéju and Saint Laurent, respectively.
All the photos from the event come from the Met Gala’s official photographers, per Anna’s instruction. As former Vogue employee Sylvana Ward Durrett previously told The New York Post, “Anna is sort of an old-school traditionalist. She likes a dinner party where people are actually speaking to each other.”
So while staffers aren’t policing the celebrities present, they are paying attention to phone usage. “We aren’t sitting over people’s shoulders,” Sylvana added, “but if it’s an obvious thing we might gently remind them.”
As for selfies? Anna doesn’t see the point (though Kim Kardashian famously got her to bend her rule in 2022).
“I’ve never taken a selfie,” Anna said in 2014, “and I don’t plan to start now.”
And that isn’t the only rule the 75-year-old has implemented. Attendees of this year’s gala—including Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, Cardi B, Sabrina Carpenter, Megan Thee Stallion, Gigi Hadid and Keke Palmer—won’t have had any chives, garlic or onions in their dinner.
Why? “Well,” Anna told Today’s Jenna Bush Hager last year, “those are three things I’m not particularly fond of.”
But, if the moments captured by the Met Gala’s photographers are any indication, attendees still had an amazing time at the 2025 event. For the best candid photos, read on.
Zendaya & Dua Lipa
If one thing is true, it’s that these two know how to serve.
Rihanna & A$AP Rocky
The pregnant singer and the rapper enjoyed a stylish date night ahead of the third baby’s arrival.
Jaden Smith, Jon Batiste, Angela Bassett & Yara Shahidi
When it comes to the Angela Bassett, selfies are allowed.
La La Anthony & Kylie Jenner
The Think Like a Man actress caught up with the Kardashians star.
Serena Williams & Sam Smith
This pair painted a winning picture with their looks—game, set, match.
Sabrina Carpenter & Usher
Who needs espresso when Usher is offering up cherries?
Halle Bailey, Sydney Sweeney & Lisa
The Little Mermaid star snapped a selfie with the White Lotus actresses.
Regé-Jean Page & Ncuti Gatwa
Netflix worlds collided when the Bridgerton and Sex Education stars crossed paths.
Dua Lipa, Callum Turner, Andrew Scott, & Tessa Thompson
This group looked ready to dance the night away.
Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton & Colman Domingo
The co-chairs welcomed the attendees while inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Miles Chamley-Watson, Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles & Serena Williams
GOATs alert! The athletes strolled into the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with the Olympic gymnast and the tennis superstar in deep conversation.
Kendall Jenner & Hailey Bieber
The models turned the mueseum walkway into their personal catwalk.
Bad Bunny
The musical artist hopped to it inside the Met.
Ayo Edebiri, Zendaya & Hunter Schafer
The Bear actress said “yes, chef” to hanging out with the Euphoria costars.
S.Coups, Jennie & Lisa
It was a gathering of K-pop idols inside the fashion fundraiser.
Jenna Ortega & Sabrina Carpenter
The Wednesday star and the “Feather” singer may need an espresso after partying into the night together.
Jeff Goldblum & A$AP Rocky
The Wicked star and Gala co-chair looked like they could defy gravity.
Evan Ross & Diana Ross
The mother-son duo enjoyed a family night out.
Lisa & Future
This musical pair hit the perfect note with their looks.
Callum Turner & Dua Lipa
After making their red carpet debut as a couple, the Masters of the Air actor and the “Houdini” singer snuggled up inside the Met.
Leon Bridges & Ashley Graham
These looks might just be everything, and beyond.
Lupita Nyong’o, Gabrielle Union, Coco Jones & Zendaya
The actresses were all smiles.
Check out E!’s Met Gala homepage for every must-see look from fashion’s biggest night and all the behind-the-scenes moments you might have missed. And watch E! News Tuesday, May 6, at 11 p.m. for a full 2025 Met Gala recap.
