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Anne Hathaway Disney Legends D23 became one of the most memorable moments of the 2026 D23 celebration, as Hathaway joined a prestigious group of Disney stars, storytellers and executives honored for their lasting contributions to the company.
The ceremony took place Sunday, August 16, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Eleven honorees were inducted as Disney Legends, including Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Ryan Seacrest returned to host the awards ceremony, which celebrates individuals whose work has helped shape The Walt Disney Company and its global entertainment legacy.
Anne Hathaway Disney Legends D23 Honor Brings Emotional Family Tribute
Hathaway was honored more than 20 years after making her Disney debut as Mia Thermopolis in the 2001 hit The Princess Diaries. She returned as the beloved royal character in the 2004 sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
Her Disney career also includes memorable performances as the White Queen in Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. Together, those roles helped establish Hathaway as a major figure in Disney’s modern film history.
David Frankel, director of The Devil Wears Prada and its upcoming sequel, presented Hathaway with the honor. He praised her commitment to her craft and her ability to bring depth and energy to her performances.
During her acceptance speech, Hathaway reflected on the privilege of building a life around work she loves. She also spoke warmly about sharing adventures and joyful experiences with her husband and children.
“As cool as all this is, just us being us is where I’m happiest,” Hathaway said.
Her remarks offered a personal and heartfelt contrast to the high-profile setting, reminding fans that family remains central to the actor’s life away from the spotlight.
Bob Iger Recognized for Powerful Disney Leadership
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger was another major recipient at the ceremony. Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s current chief executive officer, presented the award and described Iger as “one of the most consequential business leaders of our time.”
Robert Downey Jr., Diane Sawyer, Harrison Ford, Ellen Pompeo and Al Michaels also paid tribute to Iger and his influence across the company.
“It’s your integrity and your kindness that will be your legacy forever,” Pompeo said.
In his acceptance speech, Iger emphasized the responsibility that comes with leading a global entertainment company. He said an executive’s most important role is supporting the creative talent responsible for Disney’s stories and experiences.
Iger led The Walt Disney Company for more than two decades. During his tenure, Disney completed major acquisitions involving Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox, while also launching the Disney+ streaming service.
Dwayne Johnson Shares a Lasting Message About Kindness
Dwayne Johnson received his Disney Legends honor from his Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt. Johnson, who voices Maui in Disney’s Moana films, used his speech to focus on the joy entertainment can bring to families around the world.
“We all do what we can to create moments and experiences of joy for people and their families all around the world,” Johnson said. “That’s important and it means something.”
He closed with a simple message that quickly became one of the ceremony’s standout lines: “It’s nice to be important. But it’s more important to be nice.”
Jonas Brothers and Lin-Manuel Miranda Celebrate Disney Roots
Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas were inducted by fellow Disney Channel star Vanessa Hudgens. The brothers reflected on their long relationship with Disney and the fans who followed them from their early television appearances through their music careers.
Joe Jonas recalled that his first word was “Gaston,” after repeatedly watching Beauty and the Beast. Nick Jonas remembered playing Chip in the Broadway musical.
“To our incredible fans, thank you for letting us be a part of your childhood and growing up alongside you all these years,” Nick said.
Lin-Manuel Miranda was honored by Moana star Auli’i Cravalho, who praised him as one of the defining musical storytellers of his generation. The ceremony included a musical tribute featuring songs from Miranda’s Disney projects, performed by Cravalho, Jordan Fisher and others.
After receiving a standing ovation, Miranda delivered an emotional rewritten version of “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. He ended the tribute by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to become part of Disney’s creative world.
A Historic Year for Disney Legends
The Disney Legends program began in 1987, when actor Fred MacMurray became the first recipient. With the addition of the 2026 class, 329 people have now received the honor.
Other members of this year’s class include Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Kim Irvine and Alan Tudyk. The 2024 class included Miley Cyrus, Kelly Ripa, Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis and Harrison Ford.
Previous Disney Legends include Julie Andrews, James Cameron, George Lucas, Robin Roberts and Robin Williams. The expanding list reflects Disney’s broad influence across movies, television, music, animation, theme parks and business leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Disney Legends award?
The Disney Legends award honors people who have made a significant and lasting contribution to The Walt Disney Company and its creative legacy.
When was Anne Hathaway inducted as a Disney Legend?
Anne Hathaway was inducted on August 16, 2026, during the Disney Legends Awards ceremony at D23 in Anaheim, California.
Which Disney role is Anne Hathaway best known for?
Hathaway is widely recognized for playing Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
Who else joined the 2026 Disney Legends class?
The 2026 class included Bob Iger, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Kim Irvine and Alan Tudyk.
