Amidst the dazzling display of haute couture at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, one figure stood out for a strikingly different reason. While celebrities showcased sparkling gowns and classic tuxedos, a mysterious individual in a full black mask and suit captivated the internet, prompting the burning question: Who is he?.
The mystery man is Gesaffelstein, a French music producer and DJ known for his unique aesthetic. The 40-year-old artist, whose real name is Mike Lévy, made a statement on the red carpet with his signature black face mask, paired with a sleek, classic suit. The full-face covering, a blend of classical Greek statuary with a cyberpunk-inspired design, sparked a flurry of reactions online.
Social media platforms buzzed with comparisons to characters from X-Men to Stranger Things. Some users playfully compared his look to Vecna from Stranger Things, while others drew parallels to mutants from X-Men. Amidst the playful banter, some observers were impressed by Gesaffelstein's artistic choice, while others expressed feeling slighted or questioned the implications of the mask.
Gesaffelstein's choice to conceal his face is not new. The French producer has cultivated an image of anonymity, allowing his music to take center stage. He has previously stated that he prefers to focus on his music and not engage in the typical social media practices of many DJs. "I don't have Instagram. I don't put my food on Twitter. I don't take pictures of shit," he said.
Beyond the buzz surrounding his red carpet appearance, Gesaffelstein celebrated a significant career milestone at the Grammys. He won his first Grammy for Best Remixed Recording for Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra". This award recognizes his talent for transforming existing tracks into innovative and captivating remixes.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards also featured performances from a diverse lineup of artists, including Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and Tyler, the Creator. All eight nominees for Best New Artist which included Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, Katseye, The Marías, Addison Rae, sombr, Alex Warren and Lola Young also performed. The event, hosted by Trevor Noah for the sixth and final time, honored the best recordings, compositions, and artists from August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025. Kendrick Lamar was a big winner, taking home five awards. Olivia Dean won Best New Artist.