Celeb Women Over 50 Completely Stole The Show At The Metropolitan Opera's 2026 Opening Gala
Art, fashion, and Hollywood collided on Sept. 22, 2026, when New York City's Metropolitan Opera kicked off its season with a star-studded gala. Our favorite celebs walked the red carpet and enjoyed the premiere performance of Verdi's "Macbeth," and we couldn't help but notice how the women over 50 completely stole the show. While the Met doesn't ask attendees to adhere to a strict dress code, we saw celebrities show up and show out in stunning formal wear, with many opting for all-black looks perfect for a night at the opera.
We're still swooning over how Susan Lucci looked like a total party in all-over sequins, and Patricia Clarkson's tea-length number that was Old Hollywood glamour personified. And that's just Act I. It might be bad luck to say "Macbeth" in the theater, but the looks this over-50 set brought to the Metropolitan Opera's red carpet were good vibes only. Cue the curtain.
Sigourney Weaver's Met Opera look oozed playful flair by way of a fringe skirt
Sigourney Weaver walked the red carpet at the Metropolitan Opera's 2026 opening night gala draped in a two-piece look that made the case for a little bit of playful flair. Classic at first glance, Weaver punched up her look with a few cheeky details. The "Avatar" star rocked a long wrap blazer with center pleating details, and, with that, she chose a maxi skirt busy with tinsel-like fringe. Below the ankle, she popped on a pair of blue plaid shoes, decorated with jewel embellishments at the toe.
Gina Gershon delivered mob wife glamour to the Met Opera in a fur jacket
Sometimes, a night out in New York City calls for a 'fit that oozes mob boss energy and attitude, and that's just what Gina Gershon accomplished with the look she chose for the Metropolitan Opera's 2026 opening night gala. The "Showgirls" actor wore a one-shoulder black gown that hung on her frame like liquid. But it was the accoutrements that really made this look. Gershon tossed a fur-and-leather cropped jacket over her shoulders, slid on a few statement bangles, and showed us all one of the best ways to incorporate platform shoes into your wardrobe.
Georgina Chapman exuded her signature feminine whimsy at the Met Opera
Marchesa designer and cofounder Georgina Chapman showed up to the Metropolitan Opera's 2026 opening gala draped in a dress that was as dreamy and romantic as the opera itself. We don't have the details on Chapman's look quite yet, but it certainly looks like a classic Marchesa creation. We're drooling over the feminine flurry of delicate tulle and the cascade of 3-D floral decals. The gown's deep V-neckline offered just the right amount of sexy glamour, and we're so loving Chapman's soft glam makeup and honey-blond locks.
Deborah Roberts made a case for ruffles on the Met Opera red carpet
With Al Roker, her husband of more than 30 years, journalist Deborah Roberts walked the red carpet at the Metropolitan Opera's 2026 opening gala, rocking a two-piece look that felt fit for the stage. Roberts wore a woven wrap jacket that created an explosion of texture and print. Opposite the top, the ABC News star donned a black maxi skirt featuring tiers of spirited ruffles and a sweeping train. We're also obsessed with her wrist cuff, featuring a large single stone that feels plucked from the disco era.
Susan Lucci brought color to the Met Opera carpet in raspberry red sequins
Susan Lucci was among the few stars to bring some color to the Metropolitan Opera's 2026 opening gala red carpet. Lucci whipped out a raspberry-colored strapless gown that was heavy on the glitz and glamour. The classic silhouette was made special with a generous dusting of shimmering sequins, and if you look closely, you'll see a matching fur shawl peeking out from behind her. She also wore a splendid diamond and pearl necklace and a bright smile. But this is nothing new; Lucci was regularly among the best-dressed soap stars at the '90s and early 2000s Daytime Emmy Awards.
Kate Walsh's Met Opera gown was heavy on the va-va-voom energy
For the Metropolitan Opera's 2026 opening gala red carpet, actor Kate Walsh delivered a heavy dose of sexy glamour. The "Grey's Anatomy" star reached for a black satin off-the-shoulder gown. Between the corsetry detail, the form-hugging fit, and the train, Walsh's look was classic and elegant with just the right amount of allure. And we love that she left her signature copper locks loose in tousled waves; Walsh will forever be one of those red-haired celebs who will make you want to try the flaming-hot look.
Patricia Clarkson oozed Old Hollywood glamour at the Met Opera
Leave it to Patricia Clarkson to bring Old Hollywood glamour to New York City. The "Far From Heaven" star walked the red carpet at the Metropolitan Opera's 2026 opening night gala wearing a tea-length gown that was as charming as it was chic. The off-the-shoulder Bardot neckline and simple silhouette felt feminine and classic. Then, the bit of ultra-shiny, wet-look fabric infused just the right amount of jazzy modernity into the star's look. The same goes for the silver pointy-toe pumps and her bright blond hair.
Julianna Margulies looked impossibly chic on the Met Opera red carpet
When Julianna Margulies walked the red carpet at the Metropolitan Opera's 2026 opening night gala — accompanied by her husband Keith Lieberthal — she exuded old-school New York City sophistication, and we're still not over it. Stunningly chic in its simplicity, the "The Morning Show" actor chose a strapless, square-neck column gown in a deep and rich shade of formal black. Margulies accented the gown with elegant diamond stud earrings and soft glam makeup, a classic opera night combo. No notes.