Anne Hathaway Named a Disney Legend: A Lifetime of Fortune and Gratitude

At the 2026 D23 convention, a star-studded gathering of fans and industry professionals, Anne Hathaway took the stage to receive a prestigious accolade. Officially inducted as a Disney Legend, Hathaway's career spanning over two decades was marked by a series of iconic roles, most notably her portrayal of Mia Thermopolis in 'The Princess Diaries' (2001). This film marked her first big-screen debut, which would pave the way for her journey as a beloved Disney icon.

The honor comes after years of dedication to her craft, with Hathaway's list of thank-you's including the late Garry Marshall, who gave her the opportunity to play the Genovian princess-to-be. Debra Martin Chase and the late Whitney Houston, who produced the movie, were also acknowledged. Hathaway's first Disney classic, 'The Princess Diaries,' was also a defining moment in her career. This film became an instant classic and cemented her place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide.

David Frankel, 'The Devil Wears Prada' director, presented Hathaway with the honor, recalling the time when the film's production team considered another actress for the role of Andy Sachs. Frankel credited Meryl Streep for recognizing Hathaway's talent, stating, 'Thank God for Meryl Streep, she saw Annie's performance in 'Brokeback Mountain' and said, 'Yeah, this girl.' Game recognizes game.'

Anna Wintour appeared via video, paying tribute to Hathaway's kindness, work ethic, and versatility. Wintour stated, 'Over the years, I've gotten to know Anne as an ideal front row companion, as well as a perfect theater date. But I recently had the chance to do a small comedy routine with her at the Oscars. Which, I confess, was a little like stepping onto the dance floor with Fred Astaire.'

Hathaway's induction into the Disney Legends class of 2026 marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Joining her in the esteemed group are Bob Iger, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alan Tudyk, Jerry Bruckheimer, Chris Berman, Eric Goldberg, Kim Irvine, and Susan Egan. This year has been a monumental one for Hathaway, with her films grossing over $2 billion at the box office.

'It's overwhelming. It's a joy, and it's incredible,' Hathaway said about her successful season. 'Having done this for as long as I have, I know the rarity of being in such a wide variety of films this year, so I feel incredibly fortunate that that's been my experience.'

Additionally, Hathaway's film 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' has grossed over $690 million worldwide, bringing the franchise total above the $1 billion mark. This film, along with her other projects, solidifies her position as one of the most prolific actresses of her generation.

Hathaway's family has been a constant source of inspiration for her. She has two sons, Jonathan and Jack, and a loving husband, Adam Shulman. Hathaway's gratitude towards her family is evident in her words, 'I'm so lucky that my first booking led to so many opportunities when I was still so young. I got to be with Stanley Tucci. I got to be with Emily Blunt.'

Her Disney legend continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Hathaway's commitment to her craft and her passion for storytelling have cemented her place in the Disney pantheon. As a Disney Legend, Hathaway's legacy will continue to captivate fans for generations to come.