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Anna Wintour stole the Oscars 2026 spotlight on March 15. The legendary Vogue chief presented awards alongside Anne Hathaway, creating a Devil Wears Prada moment that had audiences roaring with laughter. Their playful on-stage banter proved Wintour embraces the iconic film’s legacy.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Moment: Wintour and Hathaway presented Best Costume Design and Best Makeup categories at the 98th Academy Awards
- The Joke: Wintour called Hathaway “Emily” instead of Andy, referencing Emily Blunt‘s character from the 2006 film
- Fashion: Wintour wore elegant Dior; Hathaway honored deceased designer Valentino in a stunning floral gown
- Timing: The bit promoted Devil Wears Prada 2, arriving in theaters May 1, 2026
Anna Wintour Breaks Silence on Devil Wears Prada Legacy
For two decades, Anna Wintour remained notoriously stoic about her portrayal in The Devil Wears Prada. The iconic 2006 film centered on Meryl Streep‘s ruthless editor Miranda Priestly, widely rumored to be inspired by Wintour‘s legendary tenure at Vogue. Director David Frankel had previously admitted that production designer Jess Gonchor secretly infiltrated Vogue‘s offices to capture the aesthetic precisely.
On Sunday night, Wintour finally embraced the comparison. Wearing sunglasses on stage and channeling Priestly‘s icy demeanor, she completely ignored Hathaway‘s question about her dress. Instead, she shifted directly to announcing nominees, a perfectly timed callback to Miranda‘s indifferent management style. The audience erupted in applause.
Anna Wintour steals Oscars spotlight in Devil Wears Prada moment with Anne Hathaway
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The Moment Everyone’s Talking About
Anne Hathaway arrived on stage in a breathtaking floral Valentino gown, explaining to Wintour that wardrobe matters on Hollywood’s biggest night. “Anna, just curious,” she asked nervously, “what do you think of my dress tonight?”
Wintour responded with comedic brilliance, putting on dark sunglasses and launching straight into: “And the nominees for best costume design are,” without answering Hathaway‘s question. The physical comedy recalled Miranda Priestly‘s cold efficiency perfectly. Later, when Hathaway asked if Wintour wanted to read the next category, Wintour delivered the kill line: “Thank you, Emily,” using the wrong character name to hilarious effect.
Two Awards Handed Out to Frankenstein Winners
| Category | Winner |
| Best Costume Design | Kate Hawley, Frankenstein |
| Best Hair and Makeup | Mike Hill, Cliona Furey, Jordan Samuel, Frankenstein |
Kate Hawley won Best Costume Design for her work on Frankenstein, with the duo presented by both Wintour and Hathaway. The same film swept both categories, marking a rare double win for costume and makeup departments. Frankenstein‘s technical achievements in period costuming clearly impressed Academy voters during what has been a competitive 2026 awards season.
“You could argue that one’s wardrobe in real life is also key. Does it make one appear elegant and attractive on, say, the most important night in Hollywood when, say, the most important people in costuming will be judging how one looks?”
— Anne Hathaway, addressing Anna Wintour on stage
Valentino Tribute and Fashion’s Moment
Hathaway‘s floral Valentino gown was far more than a fashion choice. The actress had attended the funeral of legendary designer Valentino Garavani in Rome in January 2026. She’d posted a heartfelt tribute: “He was my dear and cherished friend who educated me, raised me, sent me flowers every year on my birthday.” Wearing Valentino to the Oscars honored his memory during fashion’s ceremonial night.
Wintour, meanwhile, commanded attention in an elegant Dior creation by Jonathan Anderson. The two women embodied high fashion excellence. Wintour‘s sans-sunglasses appearance earlier on the red carpet made headlines, as she seldom abandons her signature dark eyewear at major events. On stage, she reclaimed them proudly, a subtle nod to her iconic image.
Why Does Devil Wears Prada 2 Matter Now?
The May 1, 2026 release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 marks the return of Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt after 20 years. Director David Frankel helms the sequel, which reunites nearly the entire original cast. New additions include Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, Kenneth Branagh, Justin Theroux, and Lady Gaga. Hathaway recently told Fandango that the film explores “what women do with power.” The actress added that Miranda “drove everybody to their highest excellence,” suggesting the sequel deepens both characters. The Oscars moment perfectly captured Hollywood’s excitement for this cultural event.
