World’s Most Beautiful Star 2026 Has Been Announced — and It’s This Actress
Anne Hathaway has been named PEOPLE’s World’s Most Beautiful cover star for 2026, marking another major moment in her long Hollywood career. The feature highlights how the actress has grown more relaxed and confident over time, especially as she steps into a new phase of life and work.
In the interview, Hathaway, now 43, says she used to be very hard on herself early in her career. She explains that things changed as she got older, especially after turning 40, when she stopped chasing perfection and started focusing more on enjoying her work and life.
She shared, “When I started out, I thought I’d be a better artist if I was really hard on myself. And then turning 40, I just kind of found a different gear, and I was no longer interested in living an awkward life. I was just interested in getting to the fun part.”
The article looks back at her journey from her breakout role in The Princess Diaries to major films like Brokeback Mountain, Les Misérables, and Alice in Wonderland. It also notes her Oscar win and her continued strong presence in Hollywood, with multiple projects lined up this year, including The Devil Wears Prada 2.
Hathaway also talks about returning to her role as Andy Sachs in the sequel, saying it felt special to reunite with the original cast. She described the experience as joyful and meaningful, especially getting to work again with Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci.
A big part of the interview focuses on how her personal life has helped her stay grounded. She credits her husband, Adam Shulman, and their two children for keeping her balanced while her career stays busy. She also speaks about still enjoying simple routines like reading the newspaper, spending time with her dog, and meeting friends when she gets free time.
When asked about beauty, Hathaway gave a simple definition, saying it is connected to truth, even when life is imperfect. She also spoke about friendship, saying she values humor and honesty in the people close to her.
The interview also touches on her earlier insecurities, including what she describes as a long awkward phase that lasted well into her adult years. She says she feels more comfortable now than she ever has before, both personally and professionally.
This story shows how someone can grow into confidence over time instead of chasing perfection forever. Hathaway seems more relaxed and honest about herself now, which makes her feel more relatable despite her fame. What do you think about her being named PEOPLE’s World’s Most Beautiful star for 2026? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.