Met Gala 2018: Go behind the scenes with the best candids, Instagram snaps and party photos

May 08, 2018 - 12:20 BST hellomagazine.com

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The photos from the Met Gala's red carpet are celebrated around the world, and this year's Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & the Catholic Imagination brought out a bevy of over-the-top ensembles (and headdresses!). But the true magic happens behind the scenes, at the $30,000-per-plate dinner and a host of fashionable after-parties, where stars like Rihanna, Naomi Watts, Ariana Grande, Emma Stone and more can really let loose. Here's we've rounded up the best behind-the-scenes party pics, candids and Instagram snaps.

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Say cheese! Salma Hayek, far right, posted this all-star photo co-starring (right to left) Ariana Grande, Naomi Watts, Pharrell and Helen Lasichanh.

Photo: © Instagram/@salmahayek

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Hailey Baldwin and Shawn Mendes, who made their debut as a couple on the red carpet, toasted the fete with model pals Joan Smalls and Ruby Rose in a photo shared to the Canadian singer's Instagram.

Photo: © Instagram/@shawnmendes

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With their dramatic outfits, guests at the Met Ball have to carefully navigate the stairs – and also the hugs! Amal Clooney gave Rihanna a careful embrace to the delight of two very amused onlookers – Donatella Versace and Anna Wintour!

Photo: © Dimitrios Kambouris/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

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Star pair Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez packed on the PDA at the Heavenly Bodies bash.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

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With sister Beyoncé a no show, it was up to Solange to represent the Knowles sisters solo in this architectural Iris Van Herpen ensemble, which she posted to her Instagram.

Photo: © Instagram/@saintrecords

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Shailene Woodley and Emma Stone arrived hand-in-hand to the Met Gala Balmain after party at the Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel.

Photo: © TheStewartofNY/GC Images

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In this quirky Instagram shot, actress Lily Collins posed the question: "Tell me the truth: should I stay in and take a bath or go out to the after party?"

Photo: © Instagram/@lilycollins

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Selena Gomez and Gigi Hadid looked thrilled to see one another, melting into this taffeta-laden hug during the Met Gala cocktail party.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

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Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez also hit the party circuit, stopping at the NYC Balmain Boom Boom Room bash.

Photo: © TheStewartofNY/GC Images

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Designer Marc Jacobs posted this photo of himself with Janelle Monae and Char Defrancesco to Instagram with the caption: "So happy, proud and grateful to be able to escort the exquisite @janellemonae to the #Metgala2018 #heavenlybodies custom @marcjacobs @stephenjonesmillinery @chardefrancesco in @huntsmansavilerow @ifandco me in @huntsmansavilerow".

Photo: © Instagram/@themarcjacobs

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Designer Jeremy Scott looked on as Nicki Minaj, left, and pregnant Cardi B were deep in conversation at the Metropolitan Museum of Art fundraising gala.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

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Ariana Grande joined the woman who created her fairytale gown – legendary designer Vera Wang – as the Met Ball began.

Photo: © Dia Dipasupil/WireImage

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The hosts with the most! A glamorous line-up featuring, right to left, Anna Wintour, Amal Clooney, Rihanna, Donatella Versace, Christine Schwarzman and Stephen A. Schwarzman.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

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Bella Hadid, Amber Valletta and Kate Moss had a model moment in their not-so-little black dresses during the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination gala.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

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Hollywood heartthrobs Bradley Cooper, Michael B. Jordan, and Chadwick Boseman were a very stylish (and handsome!) trio as they mingled at the Gala.

Photo: © Dimitrios Kambouris/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

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Wearing matching nude lips and with their hair pulled back, Kylie Jenner and Selena Gomez were almost twinning as they met up during the museum soirée.

Photo: © Matt Winkelmeyer/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

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Karen Elson, far right, was "Met Balling with the Super Duper Models", left to right, Ashley Graham, Amber Valletta, Poppy Delevigne, Kate Moss and, in the foreground, Alexa Chung.

Photo: © Instagram/@misskarenelson

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Let your imagination take flight! Kris Jenner was clearly impressed with a Versace-clad Katy Perry's spectacular wings.

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Supermodel Gisele was definitely ready for her close-up! She also gave a shout out to the extensive team who helped her look so flawless. "Ready to go! Thank you @versace for working so hard to make me an eco dress. The fabric and lining used are both 100% organic silk ecologically dyed, the threads are 100% organic cotton and everything is certificated as GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard. Thank you to my super team @hungvanngo @davidvoncannon @georgecortina and @deborahlippman for getting me ready for tonight!✨ ✨"

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Diane Kruger shared a behind-the-scenes close-up of her amazing Philip Treacy cage veil. "Ready or not ♥️ @bridgetbragerhair ♥️ PHILIP TREACY !!!!!!!" she captioned the pic.

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SZA and Tracee Ellis Ross were both pretty in pink in their frothy gowns at the cocktail gathering inside the Met Gala.

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Paris Jackson channelled 1980s rocker chic at the Balmain after party at Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel.

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A Wrinkle in Time star Mindy Kaling was a true queen in a gorgeous oversized crown by Greek jewelry designer Pericles Kondylatos.

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Amal Clooney flashed an over-the-shoulder smile as husband George Clooney chatted with Francesco Carrozzini and Bee Shaffer inside the Met Gala celebration.

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After making their red carpet debut as a couple last month, Scarlett Johansson and Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost made a fashionable appearance at the Met.