On Sunday afternoon, August 16, 2026, the Academy Award-winning actress was officially inducted as a Disney Legend during a star-studded ceremony capping off D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the prestigious Disney Legends Awards ceremony honors visionary artists, performers, and leaders whose creative talents have left an indelible mark on The Walt Disney Company’s enduring legacy.
From Mia Thermopolis to Disney Royalty
Hathaway’s journey with Disney began a quarter-century ago with her iconic feature film debut as Mia Thermopolis in 2001’s smash-hit The Princess Diaries. Her endearing, clumsy-yet-regal performance catapulted her into global stardom and birthed a beloved franchise that defined a generation of Disney cinema.
Over the past two decades, Hathaway’s Disney portfolio grew to include a string of memorable live-action and fantasy roles:
- Mia Thermopolis – The Princess Diaries (2001) & The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
- Ella – Ella Enchanted (2004)
- Mirana the White Queen – Alice in Wonderland (2010) & Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)
A Family Affair & an Emotional Acceptance
Hathaway was presented with the honor by director David Frankel, who famously directed her in The Devil Wears Prada. Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour also offered introductory remarks celebrating Hathaway’s timeless appeal, elegance, and dedication to her craft.
Taking the stage to roaring applause, Hathaway brought her husband, Adam Shulman, and their two sons, Jonathan (10) and Jack (6), along for the milestone event—marking a rare public appearance for her young family.
“I am here today because I’m one of the most insanely lucky people in the world,” Hathaway shared during her heartfelt acceptance speech. “How lucky am I that I was born into a family where acting, storytelling, and imagination were valued and celebrated… As cool as all this is, just us being us is where I’m happiest.”
The Class of 2026 Disney Legends
Hathaway joins a prestigious 2026 class of honorees inducted during the historic weekend event. The full lineup of newly crowned Disney Legends includes:
- Anne Hathaway (The Princess Diaries, Alice in Wonderland)
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Moana, Jungle Cruise)
- Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, Encanto, Moana)
- The Jonas Brothers (Camp Rock, Jonas)
- Alan Tudyk (Wreck-It Ralph, Rogue One, Frozen)
- Bob Iger (Former Disney CEO & Chairman)
- Susan Egan (Voice of Megara in Hercules, Broadway’s original Belle)
- Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure)
- Eric Goldberg (Legendary Disney Animator)
- Kim Irvine (Walt Disney Imagineering)
- Chris Berman (ESPN Sports Broadcasting Legend)
With rumors continuing to swirl around a potential third installment in The Princess Diaries franchise, Hathaway’s Disney Legend induction serves as a fitting milestone for a career that continues to bring magic to screens across the globe.
