Anne Hathaway: Disney Legends Ceremony | D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026

With a performance that launched her career and solidified her status as an icon. Definition of a legend. She can dance, she can sing, she's romantic. Whoa, hi, what are you doing? It's been wonderful watching you grow up and you have just turned into... She combines Judy Garland and Harper Marks. And she has the ability to fall in love. Some movie stars. Oscar goes to Anne Hathaway. There's no such thing as overexposure. I met Annie Hathaway for the first time at Nate and Al's in Beverly Hills. She was 21 and already a movie star. Charming, luminous and wise. Perfect to play Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada. The studio had other ideas. Thank God for Meryl Streep. Since we're talking about legends here today. And said, yeah, this girl. Game recognizes game. When you look back at her performance in Prada, it all looks so effortless. But no actor ever worked harder. One day, I found her crouched in a corner wearing headphones. Tears in her eyes. What are you listening to, I asked. Madame Butterfly, she said. Madame Butterfly, the tragic opera. You do realize this is a comedy, don't you? But she was right. By leaning into the pain, she added real emotional depth. When you feel Andy's pain, it's easier to root for her. To love her. To laugh with her. In the 20 years since that first Prada, Annie's grown into a creative powerhouse. A leader on set with razor sharp instincts. And strong convictions. Sigh. She's also become a global icon. Won an Oscar. Become a wife to Adam. And a mother to Johnny and Jack. And a player to be named later. The expectations for a Prada sequel were... Of course, we said yes. The opportunity to work together again with family was just too compelling. Once again, Annie made us laugh. Gave us permission to cry. And reminded us of the hero that lives inside everyone. And she's doing it five times this year, for anyone who's counting. Annie, you're one of the stars. And right now, one of our mutual heroes, who loves a quick cameo, has a special message just for you. Hello everyone. It's a thrill to introduce Anne Hathaway for this award. She's known for so many impressive performances. It's hard to single out just one. But I suppose that I should call out this year's blockbuster sequel. In which she ingeniously outmanoeuvres a hostile tech takeover. In order to ensure the future of a certain Astronaut magazine. Thank you so much for that, Anne. Over the years, I've gotten to know Anne as an ideal front row companion. As well as the perfect theatre date. But I recently had a 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. Fortunately, Anne made it incredibly easy for me. Which is something she seems to do for everyone and every time. There is so much to admire about Anne. Her work ethic, her talent, her versatility. But most of all, it's her kindness that is so impressive. She just filmed a video at the Vogue offices. And instantly became fast friends with every single person she came into contact with. From fashion editors, to video interns, to the barista at the company cafe. And yes, Anne Hathaway can sing sensationally. She can dance divinely. And is an amazing, amazing actress. But she is also a devoted mother, a loving wife, and the very best of friends. No one deserves the Disney Legend Award more than you, Anne. Congratulations. All my congratulations. And all my love. It's a tough act to follow. Courage and power. Over 25 years in this business, you still believe in the magic. Thank you for sharing your life. We love you. We're so proud to welcome you as a Disney Legend. My most extraordinary friends. Thank you. Thank you so much. David, you are one of the most extraordinary friends I have ever made in this job. I love you so much. And I couldn't be more honored to have you here. And thanks for bringing Anna. Oh my gosh, you guys. Thank you. Whoever just went, yes! Right on cue, Johnny. My children are here today. Yesterday, we were having a magical day at the park. By our brilliant cast member, Maddie. Thank you, Maddie. You get lucky. I am here today because I am one of the most insanely lucky people in the world. Storytelling and imagination were valued and celebrated. And my parents are here, so I just want to say mom and dad, thank you so much for everything. Starring perhaps the greatest Disney Legend of all time, the incomparable Julie Andrews. First read-through of the Princess Diaries, she showed me that kindness, patience, friendliness, graciousness, good humor, and hard work were an unbeatable combination. And that little princess film that we made together became my first Disney classic. And her 27th. I'm so lucky that Gary Marshall chose me to be a filmopolis. Houston decided to produce the movie that changed my life. I still have the same manager, Susan Bimel, who booked me the audition for what was then called The Princess of Tribeca. I mean, the luck, it just goes on and on. I am so lucky that my first film led to so many opportunities when I was still so young. Getting a job that a million girls would kill for in El Rosado. I got to be with Emily Blunt. I got to be with Meryl. I got to be in creative music together that the world is still singing along to. Directed impeccably, of course, by David Frankel. So many adventures along the way. Knowing joy brings its blessing. A family I couldn't love more. Adam, who makes my foot pop. More exciting and more magical than any film. As cool as all this is, just us being us is where I'm happiest. Bob, Dana Walden. Bob Iger, who you saw a lot in my time. In fact, just so many people at Disney. In fact, like legit every single person from parks and hotel employees worldwide to the studio employees in Burbank. To the dancers on cruise ships. You bring the magic to the real world every single day. So thank you so much. I'm a true source of the luck that brought me here. Thank you to you. You've raised me with your time. And has bought a ticket to a film or a project of mine. Has kept mine for three decades. I wouldn't be here on this stage. In this beautiful rare moment without you. I'm so grateful to you. Thank you so much. As far as I'm concerned. A Disney legend status is shared by us all. And I couldn't feel luckier for that. So thank you so much and let's keep making magic together.