Anne Hathaway Becomes Disney Legend: Why ‘The Princess Diaries’ Star Received Disney's Highest Honour

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Anne Hathaway has officially become a Disney Legend, receiving one of the most prestigious recognitions from The Walt Disney Company. The actor was honoured during the 2026 Disney Legends Awards ceremony on August 16 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, held as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The ceremony celebrated a new class of Disney Legends whose work has made a lasting impact on the company's entertainment legacy.

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Disney had announced Hathaway among the 2026 honourees earlier this year, describing the Disney Legends distinction as The Walt Disney Company's highest honour. Her induction recognises her contribution to Disney through several memorable performances, most notably her breakthrough role as Mia Thermopolis in 'The Princess Diaries'.

Anne Hathaway's Disney Journey Began With The Princess Diaries

For many Disney fans, Anne Hathaway's name remains inseparable from Mia Thermopolis, the awkward teenager who discovers she is heir to the fictional kingdom of Genovia in The Princess Diaries (2001).

Directed by Garry Marshall, the film became Hathaway's breakthrough role and introduced her to a worldwide audience. She returned as Mia in 'The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement' in 2004, further cementing the character's place in popular culture.

Disney's official profile of Hathaway specifically highlights both 'The Princess Diaries' films as an important part of her Disney legacy.

From Genovia To Wonderland

Anne Hathaway's association with Disney continued beyond the Princess Diaries franchise. She later entered the fantastical world of 'Alice in Wonderland', directed by Tim Burton.

In the 2010 film, Hathaway played the 'White Queen', a role she reprised in 'Alice Through the Looking Glass' in 2016. Her appearances in the two films became another notable chapter in her Disney filmography.

Her wider Disney-associated work also includes projects such as 'Ella Enchanted' and 'Becoming Jane ', while she voiced Haru in the English-language version of Studio Ghibli's 'The Cat Returns'. D23 has highlighted several occasions when Hathaway entered Disney's worlds.

Why Anne Hathaway Was Named A Disney Legend

The Disney Legends honour recognises individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to Disney's legacy. Anne Hathaway's induction reflects the enduring impact of her performances, particularly the cultural footprint of 'The Princess Diaries' and her subsequent work connected with Disney.

Her selection also comes at a fitting moment. 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of 'The Princess Diaries', bringing renewed attention to the franchise that introduced Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis.

Hathaway is also returning to the role in 'The Princess Diaries 3', which is currently in production. She is set to reprise Mia more than two decades after audiences first met the character.

Who Honoured Anne Hathaway At D23?

Anne Hathaway was formally recognised at the Disney Legends Awards ceremony on August 16, 2026. Her tribute was presented by David Frankel, director of The Devil Wears Prada 2, while Anna Wintour appeared in a special video message.

She joined a distinguished 2026 class that included names such as Dwayne Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bob Iger, Jerry Bruckheimer, Alan Tudyk and the Jonas Brothers.

Anne Hathaway's Disney Legacy Continues

From a teenager discovering she is a princess in Genovia to the White Queen of Wonderland, Anne Hathaway's Disney roles have reached audiences across generations.

Her induction as a Disney Legend formally recognises that lasting connection with the company. And with Hathaway returning as Mia Thermopolis in 'The Princess Diaries 3', her journey with one of Disney's most beloved franchises is far from over.