Disney Legends Awards 2026: Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Jonas Brothers Among 11 Honourees at Disney’s D23 Expo
Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, and the Jonas Brothers were inducted as Disney Legends at the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on August 16, 2026. Discover their iconic contributions to Disney, from Hathaway's 'Princess Diaries' role, to Johnson's 'Moana' and 'Jungle Cruise,' and the Jonas Brothers' Disney Channel legacy.
The Walt Disney Company rolled out the red carpet for its newest class of Disney Legends on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim. A prestigious assembly of actors, filmmakers, and executives, including Oscar-winning Anne Hathaway, global superstar Dwayne Johnson, and the iconic musical trio the Jonas Brothers, were among those honoured for their enduring impact on Disney's legacy. The ceremony, held at the Honda Center, was a highlight of the three-day fan extravaganza that captivated Disney enthusiasts from August 14-16, 2026. 'The Odyssey' Becomes Christopher Nolan's Biggest Worldwide Opener with USD 264.1 Million.
Stars Honoured at Disney Legends Awards 2026
The 2026 Disney Legends class is a diverse group of talent whose work has shaped various facets of the Disney universe. Alongside Hathaway, Johnson, and the Jonas Brothers, other esteemed inductees included sports broadcasting icon Chris Berman, legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Broadway star Susan Egan, acclaimed animator Eric Goldberg, Imagineer Kim Irvine, visionary composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, versatile actor Alan Tudyk, and Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger. The Disney Legend Award, established in 1987, is the highest honour bestowed by The Walt Disney Company, recognising individuals for their extraordinary and integral contributions.
Anne Hathaway's Royal & Wonderland Journey
Anne Hathaway’s Disney journey began 25 years ago with her breakout role as Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries (2001), a film that cemented her status as a beloved modern princess. She reprised the role in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), further endearing her to audiences. Her contributions extend to the fantastical realms of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland (2010) and its sequel Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016), where she portrayed the White Queen. Hathaway also lent her voice to the English dub of Studio Ghibli's The Cat Returns (2005) and the animated features Rio (2011) and Rio 2 (2014).
Dwayne Johnson: From Maui to Jungle Skipper
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has made a monumental impact across Disney's live-action and animated features. His memorable performance as the demigod Maui in the critically acclaimed animated film Moana (2016) saw him captivate audiences with his voice and charisma. Johnson also brought his signature charm to the screen as skipper Frank Wolff in the adventure film Jungle Cruise (2021), based on the iconic theme park attraction.
Earlier Disney roles include The Game Plan (2007) and Race to Witch Mountain (2009). Looking ahead, Johnson is set to reprise his role as Maui in the animated sequel Moana 2, releasing in November 2024, and will also star in the highly anticipated live-action Moana film in 2026. His production company, Seven Bucks Productions, also holds a first-look deal with Disney, hinting at more collaborations.
2026 Disney Legends Honourees
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Jonas Brothers' Disney Channel Legacy
The Jonas Brothers – Kevin, Joe, and Nick – earned their Disney Legend status through their pervasive presence on Disney Channel, which significantly boosted their global popularity. Their journey with Disney began with a guest appearance on Hannah Montana in 2007. They became household names starring in the Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock (2008) and its sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010). The trio also fronted their own Disney Channel series, Jonas, which premiered in 2009 and was rebranded as Jonas L.A. for its second season, running until 2010. Their music was also distributed by Hollywood Records, a Disney-owned record label, further cementing their ties to the company. Nick Jonas Finally Reveals First DM to Priyanka Chopra That Sparked Their Love Story (Watch Video).
Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, Dwayne Johnson, Anne Hathaway and Katseye at Disney Legends Ceremony
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The Enduring Magic of Disney Legends
Each Disney Legend receives a bronze statuette depicting Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice, symbolising imagination, skill, and magic. Living recipients are also honoured with a bronze plaque featuring their handprints and signature, displayed at Legends Plaza at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. The ceremony on August 16, 2026, reaffirmed Disney's commitment to acknowledging the extraordinary individuals who continue to bring joy and wonder to audiences worldwide.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2026 11:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
