Anne Hathaway pays tribute to Julie Andrews as she is named Disney Legend
By Sean O'Grady, Press Association Deputy Entertainment Editor
Anne Hathaway paid tribute to her Princess Diaries co-star Julie Andrews as she was named a Disney Legend.
She was joined by Jumanji star Dwayne Johnson, Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Jonas Brothers as the latest stars to receive the honour at Disney fan event D23.
Disney Legend is a Hall of Fame award given by The Walt Disney Company to people who have “made a significant impact on the Disney legacy”.
Hathaway was introduced at the ceremony at the Anaheim Convention Centre in California by The Devil Wears Prada 2 director David Frankel and former Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour.
She said: “I am here today because I’m one of the most insanely lucky people in the world.
“How lucky am I that I was born into a family where acting, storytelling and imagination were valued and celebrated.”
Hathaway began her career with Disney’s The Princess Diaries in 2001, in which she starred alongside Andrews.
She said: “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 read-through, she showed me that kindness, patience, friendliness, graciousness, good humour and hard work were an unbeatable combination.”
Emily Blunt presented Johnson with his award and reflected on how he redefined the modern movie star.
The Jonas Brothers were given their award by Vanessa Hudgens, who spoke about their decades-long work across various Disney brands.
Miranda was honoured with a musical medley that included some of his hit songs from Moana, Encanto and Hamilton.
Other people named as Disney legends this year included film producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Broadway actress Susan Egan and former CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger.
