For the second consecutive year, Timothée Chalamet chose basketball over high fashion, skipping the Met Gala to support the New York Knicks during a playoff moment.
While his partner, Kylie Jenner, turned heads on the iconic red carpet in a Schiaparelli gown, Chalamet was seated courtside at Madison Square Garden, fully immersed in the game-day atmosphere.
Jenner, a Met Gala regular since 2016, once again delivered one of the evening’s most talked-about looks. Her bold styling, complete with bleached eyebrows, aligned perfectly with the 2026 theme, “Costume Art,” and quickly became a trending fashion moment.
Chalamet’s absence was not unexpected. Last year, he also skipped the event to watch the Knicks face the Boston Celtics, reinforcing his reputation as a devoted fan. His presence at games has made him a familiar figure on the Garden’s “Celebrity Row,” where his energetic reactions often go viral.
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The scheduling clash between the Met Gala and the NBA playoffs left little room for compromise. With the red carpet beginning at 6:00 p.m. and tip-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m., attending both high-profile events was logistically impossible.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Spike Lee, another well-known Knicks supporter, also made headlines. After facing criticism last year for attending the Met Gala instead of a key game.
Chalamet’s decision has been widely celebrated by Knicks fans, especially as the team delivered a commanding 137-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1. His visible support has strengthened his bond with the fanbase.
Despite the solo red carpet appearance, there appears to be no strain in his relationship with Jenner. The couple was recently seen together at the Broadway show The Fear of 13, signaling that their bond remains strong.
In the end, Chalamet’s choice underscores a clear priority. While the Met Gala celebrates global fashion and celebrity culture, his loyalty to the Knicks and their playoff run continues to take center stage.