Anne Hathaway embraces ‘unexpected’ beauty title at Devil Wears Prada 2 debut

Anne Hathaway reacted to being named PEOPLE’s 2026 World’s Most Beautiful cover star while attending the New York City premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2, describing the honor as “a little surreal.”

Speaking to People from the red carpet at Lincoln Center, Hathaway admitted the recognition was something she never expected.

“It was not something I ever, ever, ever expected,” she said, adding that the experience of shooting the cover was “such a fun day.”

Despite the milestone, the actress kept her trademark humor intact, joking that she half-anticipated being teased about the title.

“I'm still trying to wrap my head around it,” she said. “I just expect people to tease me about it.”

The premiere marked a full-circle moment for Hathaway, who reprises her role as aspiring journalist Andy Sachs nearly two decades after the original film became a cultural touchstone.

Reflecting on the character, she suggested Andy would be drawn to the strong media presence on the red carpet, likely crafting a story about the journalists behind the spectacle.

Returning to the beloved franchise also meant reuniting with familiar faces, including Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, an experience Hathaway described as both “joyful” and meaningful.

“This was the chance to actually be with the same people again, step back into that world, but with a little bit more perspective,” she said, reflecting on how her outlook has evolved since the original 2006 film.

Hathaway also had high praise for her costars, calling Blunt “a dream,” Tucci “so funny and quick,” and expressing deep admiration for Streep, whom she described as an artist who continuously pushes herself.

Beyond the red carpet, Hathaway’s People cover story offers a glimpse into her life off-screen, including her approach to beauty, style, and family.

She credited her husband, Adam Shulman, and their two sons for keeping her grounded amid a particularly busy year.

“He supports me completely,” she said, noting that his presence has been especially meaningful during a period she describes as unusually demanding.