A Fashionable Reunion: Hathaway and Wintour's Playful Prada Nod at the Oscars
Entertainment

A Fashionable Reunion: Hathaway and Wintour's Playful Prada Nod at the Oscars

authorBy Roger Ebert
DateMar 16, 2026
Read time4 min
At the recent Academy Awards, a captivating moment unfolded as Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour, two prominent figures from the fashion and film worlds, graced the stage together. Their appearance was a clever and engaging homage to the beloved film 'The Devil Wears Prada,' a movie famously inspired by Wintour's tenure at Vogue. This collaboration not only delighted fans but also skillfully generated excitement for the forthcoming sequel to the iconic fashion-centric movie. Their interactions, steeped in playful banter and subtle references, highlighted the enduring legacy of the film and its impact on pop culture.

Iconic Duo's Runway Redemption: A Stylish Oscars Standoff

The Unforgettable Oscars Appearance: A Nod to Fashion's Fiercest

During a glamorous evening dedicated to cinematic achievements, Anne Hathaway, celebrated for her Oscar-winning performances, and Anna Wintour, the influential former editor of Vogue, shared the spotlight. Their joint presentation at the Academy Awards was a significant occasion, particularly as they promoted the upcoming sequel, 'Devil Wears Prada 2.' The event was marked by a series of humorous exchanges and subtle jabs that resonated with fans of the original film, adding a layer of playful tension to the awards for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Hathaway's Fashion Query and Wintour's Iconic Response

A highlight of their presentation was Hathaway's pointed question regarding her attire: "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? Anna, just curious, what do you think of my dress tonight?" Wintour's response, a swift donning of sunglasses followed by the curt announcement, "And the nominees are..." perfectly echoed the no-nonsense demeanor of Miranda Priestly, her fictionalized counterpart.

The "Emily" Remark: A Deep-Cut Reference

Later in the segment, Hathaway humorously invited Wintour to read the next set of nominees. Wintour's dry reply, "Thank you, Emily," was a clever callback to the original film, where Meryl Streep's character, Miranda Priestly, consistently misidentified Hathaway's character, Andy, as Emily. This subtle but impactful reference underscored the duo's deep understanding of the film's cultural impact and delighted the audience with its insider humor.

Years of Speculation: Wintour's Stance on 'The Devil Wears Prada'

This public display of playful acknowledgment followed years of speculation regarding Anna Wintour's personal feelings about 'The Devil Wears Prada.' The 2006 cinematic hit, adapted from Lauren Weisberger's novel, drew heavily from Weisberger's experiences working under Wintour at Vogue. Many wondered how the fashion maven truly perceived the film that depicted a ruthless magazine editor inspired by her.

A Fashion Week Coincidence: Echoing Andy Sachs' Style

Further adding to the narrative, Anne Hathaway had previously captured headlines in 2022 when she appeared alongside Anna Wintour at a New York Fashion Week event. Hathaway's outfit that day strikingly resembled the final ensemble worn by her character, Andy Sachs, at the conclusion of the first 'Devil Wears Prada' film. This deliberate style choice fueled fan speculation and suggested a growing acceptance or even embrace of the film's legacy by both parties.

Inside the Runway Magazine: Authenticity in Fiction

Lauren Weisberger, the author of the original novel, has often remarked on the surprising accuracy of the film's portrayal of the high-stakes fashion world. In an interview, she noted, "The scenes where the driver calls and [Miranda's] coming into the office, and the entire office breaks into an absolute panic. That is the regular day-to-day craziness that I think was important to maintain." This insight confirms that many aspects of the film were closely based on real-life experiences.

The Set's Unseen Inspiration: Recreating Wintour's Office

Despite Meryl Streep and director David Frankel's repeated assertions that Miranda Priestly was not a direct caricature of Wintour, Frankel revealed a curious detail: production designer Jess Gonchor secretly accessed Vogue's offices. This covert operation allowed Gonchor to meticulously replicate Wintour's workspace, creating a set that Weisberger later confirmed was "really, really close" to reality, adding another layer of authenticity to the film.

A Memorable Encounter: Frankel's Meeting with Wintour

Frankel recounted a memorable encounter with Wintour at a Miami tennis tournament years after the film's release. Upon introducing himself as the director of 'The Devil Wears Prada,' Wintour, in a moment of subtle disdain, withdrew her hand from his handshake. This anecdote further solidified the enigmatic aura surrounding Wintour's perception of the film.

Gisele Bündchen's Perspective: Wintour's Personal Side

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen, who had a minor role in the first 'Prada' film, shared her observations about Wintour. She described Wintour as a "reserved person" who was always kind to her. Bündchen also suggested that Wintour likely enjoyed the film, musing, "I mean, I'd be happy if Meryl Streep played me!" This provided a more personal, less intimidating view of the fashion icon.

New Faces Join the Prada Universe: Excitement for the Sequel

As the original cast members, including Hathaway, Streep, Tucci, and Blunt, returned for 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' fans eagerly anticipate the fresh narrative. Notably, Adrian Grenier, who played Andy's boyfriend Nate in the first film, will not be reprising his role. However, the sequel boasts an exciting roster of new talent, including Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, Kenneth Branagh, Justin Theroux, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak, Conrad Ricamora, and Lady Gaga, promising a revitalized and star-studded continuation of the beloved story.

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