Love Story Stars Grace the 2026 Met Gala

Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly, stars of the acclaimed anthology series Love Story, made a striking appearance together at the 2026 Met Gala in New York City. The event marked a reunion for the pair, who recently captivated audiences with their portrayals of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr. respectively.

Fashion Statements at the Gala

Pidgeon, 29, showcased a radiant look, departing from her on-screen character’s typically understated style with a vibrant yellow dress featuring a dramatic bow detail and a high-waisted skirt. She completed the ensemble with minimal accessories and classic makeup, allowing her blonde hair to flow freely.

Kelly, 37, complemented her with a sophisticated ensemble of black trousers, a dark red velvet jacket, and a crisp white shirt.

The Impact of *Love Story*

The duo’s presence at the Met Gala comes after their roles in Love Story generated significant buzz, though not without controversy. The FX/Hulu series, which premiered on February 12th, quickly became FX’s most-streamed limited series, amassing 65 million hours of viewership across Hulu and Disney+.

Controversy and Critical Reception

Despite its success with audiences – achieving a 69% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes – the show faced criticism from some quarters, including close associates of Bessette-Kennedy and members of the Kennedy family. Gordon Henderson, a designer friend of Bessette-Kennedy, expressed his dissatisfaction with the portrayal, while JFK Jr.’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, criticized creator Ryan Murphy for not consulting with the family.

Viewership and Emmy Buzz

The final episode, titled “Search And Recovery,” proved to be the most-viewed of the series. Pidgeon herself acknowledged the weight of portraying Bessette-Kennedy, emphasizing her commitment to doing justice to the fashion icon’s legacy.

In an interview with Vogue, she revealed that the initial online conversations surrounding the series underscored the importance of an accurate and respectful portrayal. She aimed to reveal the multifaceted personality of Bessette-Kennedy, beyond her image as a minimalist fashion icon, highlighting her vivaciousness and playful spirit.

Pidgeon’s performance has even sparked early Emmy nomination buzz, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The series also featured a strong supporting cast including Grace Gummer, Naomi Watts, Alessandro Nivola, Leila George, Sydney Lemmon and Constance Zimmer.

The show received an 81% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a generally positive reception despite the mixed reactions from those personally connected to the Kennedy family.