Anne Hathaway became emotional Sunday as she was officially named a Disney Legend during D23, marking 25 years since her breakthrough performance in “The Princess Diaries.” The honor arrived during a banner year for the Oscar-winning actor, whose 2026 films have generated more than $2 billion at the worldwide box office.
Anne Hathaway Inducted During D23 Ceremony
Hathaway was inducted into Disney’s hall of fame at the company’s weekend-long fan event. “The Devil Wears Prada” director David Frankel and Vogue editor Anna Wintour introduced her before she walked onto the stage to a sustained round of applause.
“I am here today because I’m one of the most insanely lucky people in the world,” Hathaway said.
Reflecting on her childhood, Hathaway credited her family with encouraging the interests that ultimately shaped her career.
“How lucky am I that I was born into a family where acting, storytelling and imagination were valued and celebrated,” she said, pointing to her parents in the audience.
Hathaway attended the ceremony with her husband, Adam Shulman — who she said “makes her foot pop” — and their two sons, Jonathan and Jack.
“The Princess Diaries” Launched Hathaway’s Film Career
The recognition came 25 years after Hathaway made her feature-film debut as Mia Thermopolis in Disney’s “The Princess Diaries,” released in theaters on Aug. 3, 2001.
Hathaway thanked the late director Garry Marshall, who selected her to play the teenager who unexpectedly discovers she is heir to the fictional European kingdom of Genovia. She also acknowledged producer Debra Martin Chase and the late Whitney Houston, who helped bring the project to the screen when it was still known as “The Princess of Tribeca.”
Hathaway also paid tribute to her co-star Julie Andrews, whose performance as Queen Clarisse Renaldi helped make the movie a lasting favorite among Disney audiences.
“How lucky am I that my first studio picture ever starred perhaps the greatest Disney Legend of all time, the incomparable Julie Andrews,” Hathaway said. “I learned so much from her when I was just 17. and from the time that I met her at the first readthrough, she showed me that kindness, patience, friendliness, graciousness, good humor and hard work were an unbeatable combination.”
Hathaway joked that the film became her first Disney classic and Andrews’ 27th.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” Pushes Franchise Beyond $1 Billion
Hathaway’s relationship with Disney continued with 2004’s “The Devil Wears Prada,” in which she portrayed Andy Sachs, an aspiring journalist who becomes an assistant to demanding fashion editor Miranda Priestly.
She reprised the role in 2026 for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” The sequel earned more than $690 million worldwide, pushing the franchise’s combined global box office total beyond $1 billion.
“I’m so lucky that my first booking led to so many opportunities when I was still so young, [like] getting a job that a million girls were built for in ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’” Hathaway said.
She then acknowledged co-stars Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt before jokingly pretending to forget Meryl Streep’s name.
“I got to be with Stanley Tucci. I got to be with Emily Blunt. I got to be with um…oh what’s her name,” Hathaway said.
David Frankel Credits Meryl Streep for Hathaway’s Casting
Frankel told the D23 audience that Hathaway was not initially the studio’s preferred choice to play Andy Sachs. According to the director, Streep supported Hathaway after seeing her performance in “Brokeback Mountain.”
“Thank God for Meryl Streep,” Frankel said. “She saw Annie’s performance in ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and said, ‘Yeah, this girl.’ Game recognizes game.”
Hathaway concluded by reflecting on the opportunities her career has provided and the importance of her family.
“I’ve gotten to spend my life so far, doing what I love, having so many adventures along the way, knowing joy and valuing the extraordinary good fortune that allows me to share my life with my greatest blessing — a family I couldn’t love more.”
The Disney Legend honor recognizes Hathaway’s enduring connection to some of the studio’s most memorable films, from her debut as a teenage princess to the blockbuster return of one of her best-known characters.
Charles Dickens is a contributor to Highlands Today, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments affecting their communities. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and important issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly manner.
