Emily Ratajkowski attended the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with subtle yet personal tributes to her boyfriend, filmmaker Romain Gavras, according to an Instagram post shared by the model. Ratajkowski featured an “RG” manicure and event credentials identifying her as “Romain Plus One” as Gavras earned nominations for his work behind the camera.
VMA Fashion Details and Personal Tributes
Ratajkowski posted a behind-the-scenes Instagram carousel showing her red-and-black dress with dramatic open sides. Beyond the outfit, close-up photos of her manicure displayed the initials “RG,” matching Romain Gavras. Another nail featured a small black design that served as a nod to the movie poster for his film “Sacrifice,” as reported by Fox News.
Her event credentials at the Peacock Theater made the connection explicit by listing her as “Romain Plus One.” Ratajkowski captioned the post, “went to the VMAs as a @romaingavras @surkin @yunglean2001 groupie and had the best time.”
Romain Gavras’s Award Nominations
The appearance coincided with a major night for Gavras, who received recognition from MTV for his directing work. Gavras directed GENER8ION’s “STORM starring Yung Lean,” which earned a nomination for Video of the Year. Gavras himself received a nomination in the Best Direction category, while Damien Jalet picked up a Best Choreography nod for the same video.
Ratajkowski sat alongside Gavras inside the venue during the ceremony to support his nominations. The couple was previously spotted together in Rome earlier this month, following public appearances that began when their romance drew attention in November 2025.
Romain Gavras comes from a filmmaking family
Romain Gavras comes from a filmmaking family; he is the son of renowned Greek-French director Costa-Gavras.
Timeline of the Relationship
The couple first sparked media attention in November 2025 when they were photographed together in New York City. Ratajkowski officially brought the relationship to her social media in February, sharing a carousel post that featured an embrace with Gavras.
Ratajkowski has kept public comments about the relationship brief. Following her divorce from Sebastian Bear-McClard, she told Harper’s Bazaar in 2022 that her approach to dating shifted from wanting to be chosen by others to focusing strictly on her own assessment of the person sitting across from her.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emily Ratajkowski and Romain Gavras
Why was Emily Ratajkowski listed as “Romain Plus One” at the VMAs?
Her official event credentials labeled her as “Romain Plus One” because she attended the awards show to support Gavras, who was nominated for Best Direction.
What were the specific details on Emily Ratajkowski’s manicure?
Her nails featured the initials “RG” for Romain Gavras and a small black design referencing the poster for his film “Sacrifice.”
What project earned Romain Gavras a VMA nomination?
Gavras was nominated for Best Direction for GENER8ION’s “STORM starring Yung Lean,” which was also nominated for Video of the Year.