Anne Hathaway gets emotional as she’s named Disney Legend, calls herself ‘insanely lucky’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Anne Hathaway got teary-eyed as she was named a Disney Legend during D23 on Sunday, August 16. 

The 43-year-old actress received the honor more than two decades after making her big-screen debut in Disney’s ‘The Princess Diaries’.

Anne Hathaway honored as Disney Legend at D23

Hathaway, who was recently seen in movies such as ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ ‘The Odyssey,’ and ‘The End of Oak Street,’ was recognized by director David Frankel and Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

The Oscar-winning actress was overwhelmed by the honor as she said, “I am here today because I’m one of the most insanely lucky people in the world.”

She also expressed her gratitude toward her parents, who were sitting in the audience, stating, “How lucky am I that I was born into a family where acting, storytelling and imagination were valued and celebrated.”

Hathaway’s actor husband, Adam Shulman, and their two sons were also in attendance. The actress is currently expecting her third child with Shulman. 

Anne Hathaway praises Julie Andrews’ kindness, patience at D23

‘The Idea of You’ star then went on to mention the legendary Julie Andrews, with whom she worked in her very first film. The 90-year-old actress played Queen Clarisse Renaldi in the 2001 movie.

“How lucky am I that my first studio picture ever starred perhaps the greatest Disney Legend of all time, the incomparable Julie Andrews. 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 shared.

The Golden Globe-winning actress further expressed her gratitude for being given “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’.”

Meryl Streep helped Anne Hathaway land ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ role

Frankel, who directed ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and its sequel, revealed that they initially considered another actress for the role of Andrea Sachs, but Meryl Streep suggested Hathaway.

“She saw Annie’s performance in ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and said, ‘Yeah, this girl.’ Game recognizes game,” the filmmaker added.

Anna Wintour praises Anne Hathaway’s work ethic, talent at D23

Hathaway was also praised by Wintour, who appeared virtually. The fashion editor said, “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.”

“Fortunately, Anne made it incredibly easy for me, which is something she seems to do for everyone, at 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 added.