Anne Hathaway turned the Oscars red carpet into a Prada-era preview

At the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, Anne Hathaway made a splash with a dramatic black Valentino gown — and reminded fans that the return of The Devil Wears Prada is almost here. The appearance fused old‑Hollywood glamour with the high‑fashion energy fans expect from Hathaway as she promotes a May 1 film launch.

The look: details and moment

Hathaway walked the Dolby Theatre carpet in a strapless Valentino dress layered with soft ivory floral appliqués, a structured bodice and a sweeping train cinched by a bold black belt. She finished the outfit with long black opera gloves and sparkling Bvlgari diamonds at her neck and ears, a combination that drew immediate attention from photographers and fans on X (formerly Twitter).

Who, what, when, where

The actress, 43, presented at the ceremony alongside a lineup that included Conan O’Brien, Zendaya, Paul Mescal and Gwyneth Paltrow. Though she wasn’t nominated, Hathaway’s arrival was one of the most talked‑about fashion moments of the night — proving a red carpet can make headlines on its own.

Why it matters now

Hathaway’s Oscars statement comes weeks before The Devil Wears Prada 2 opens in theaters on May 1. She’s reprising Andy Sachs opposite Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly, and her red‑carpet styling offered an early glimpse of the elevated wardrobe the character will wear now that Andy’s career and budget have grown.

Context from the cast and past co‑stars

Adrian Grenier, who played Andy’s ex, Nate, said he hasn’t seen Hathaway since the 2006 premiere and confirmed he isn’t part of the sequel. He told Us Weekly he’s happy for the cast and hopes he’ll at least be invited to the premiere. His absence underscores how the sequel focuses on Andy’s professional life and her Runway world, not every original relationship.

What the cast and Hathaway have said

  • Hathaway has signaled the film will feature “expensive,” carefully curated looks for Andy — a natural progression for someone who moved up from a Runway internship to a globetrotting career.
  • She’s encouraged fans to celebrate the release by dressing up, asking viewers to channel Miranda‑approved looks when the sequel opens.

Fan and industry reaction

Social posts praised Hathaway’s Oscars arrival: messages on X called it a show‑stealing entrance and applauded her for commanding the room without a nomination. Industry observers say the timing — a major awards night weeks before the sequel — was a savvy reminder that fashion still drives conversation around the film.

What to expect next

Look for more costume peeks and promotional appearances as May 1 approaches, including interviews and likely premiere events. With Meryl Streep back as Miranda and Hathaway promising a glossier, more luxurious Andy, the sequel’s fashion will be almost as big a draw as its reunion cast.