Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, will serve as honorary chairs of the 2026 Met Gala, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced Monday. This marks the first time the couple has been formally elevated to this role, traditionally reserved for industry titans and cultural icons.
The decision comes after Bezos and Sánchez were previously named lead sponsors of both the gala and its accompanying exhibition. The Met Gala, widely considered one of the most exclusive fashion events globally, operates as a fundraiser for the Costume Institute. This year’s dress code is “fashion is art,” though the real story is the visibility of Bezos’s deep financial backing.
The museum deliberately buried the announcement in a lengthy press release alongside other co-chairs – Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. The low-profile reveal suggests a calculated move to avoid further scrutiny, as Bezos’s initial sponsorship of the event previously drew criticism.
Why this matters: The Met Gala is a cultural showcase where wealth and influence intersect. Bezos’s presence as honorary chair isn’t just about financial support; it’s about solidifying his role in the elite circles of entertainment, fashion, and art. This move underscores the growing influence of tech billionaires in traditionally non-tech spaces.
The Met declined to comment on why this particular detail was delayed, but the timing suggests a careful strategy to minimize negative attention. The event’s staggered announcement schedule is standard practice, but the low-key treatment of the Bezos news is unusual.
The Bezoses’ dual role as sponsors and chairs highlights the increasing commercialization of high-culture events, where financial backing often dictates prestige.
The move sets a new precedent for future Met Galas, where deep-pocketed sponsors may now expect top-tier recognition alongside established cultural figures.
