Anne Hathaway chokes up while thanking fans: 'I'm just an actress'

Anne Hathaway’s most moving moment might not be her Disney Legend honour, but an emotional confession to fans.

During a press interview at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on Sunday, August 16, the Princess Diaries star became visibly emotional while talking about her fans.

A clip from the interview, shared by fan account @ahathawayfiles, quickly began circulating online.

“I’m still trying to, like, process the idea of having fans,” The Idea Of You actress said, before struggling to hold back tears. “I’m just an actress, you know?”

She then reflected on what the support of audiences has meant throughout her career, describing the experience of being embraced by fans as overwhelming and expressing her gratitude for the people who have continued to show up for her work.

“I’m really grateful,” the Oscar winner continued, eventually ending the heartfelt moment with a simple message: “Just love you.”

The moment landed with particular force because of the occasion. Hathaway, 43, was officially inducted into the 2026 class of Disney Legends at D23, Disney’s highest honor, 25 years after she made her breakthrough as Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries.

Disney confirmed that the Devil Wears Prada actress was among the new class honoured during the closing Disney Legends ceremony at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

Her connection to Disney is especially enduring. The Princess Diaries, released in 2001, introduced Hathaway to millions of viewers as the awkward teenager who discovers she is heir to the fictional kingdom of Genovia.

Now, more than two decades later, she is returning to the character for The Princess Diaries 3, which is currently in production.