**Anne Hathaway Crowned as PEOPLE’s 2026 World’s Most Beautiful**
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In a celebration of beauty that transcends mere appearance, Anne Hathaway has been named PEOPLE’s 2026 World’s Most Beautiful. This accolade holds weight not only for its glitz and glamour but also for its deeper exploration of resilience, talent, and the bonds that women share. This year’s selection is particularly significant as it aligns with the upcoming release of the highly anticipated *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, reminding audiences of the actress’s enduring charm and impact within the industry.
Charlotte Triggs, a member of the PEOPLE team, reflects on her own experiences during the original release of *The Devil Wears Prada* in 2006, when she worked as an assistant at the magazine. It was a formative period for her, aligned with her own evolution in the media landscape. Triggs expressed her eagerness to have Hathaway grace the cover this year, recognising that their shared connections — both being from New Jersey and celebrating their 43rd birthdays — made the opportunity even more meaningful.
During their conversation, Hathaway shared insights into her life as a mother to boys, while Triggs offered a contrasting perspective as a mother to girls. Hathaway’s relaxed demeanour during the interview reflects her growth, particularly since reaching her forties. “Turning 40, it was like the dress rehearsal was over,” she remarked. This sense of new empowerment resonates not just with Hathaway, but with many women navigating similar life transitions.
Alongside Hathaway, the issue also features a range of remarkable talents, including Teyana Taylor. Known for her recent Oscar nomination and her new role as a spokesperson for Revlon, Taylor pays tribute to the iconic Janet Jackson in an homage that was carefully crafted. Janine Rubenstein, editor at large for PEOPLE, noted Taylor’s meticulous attention to detail, demonstrating her commitment to honouring Jackson’s legacy, as evidenced by the singer’s enthusiastic reaction to the project.
The edition also showcases EJAE, the lead singer and songwriter for the hit K-Pop group Demon Hunters. Triggs described her first encounter with EJAE at the Oscars, which revealed a strikingly humble personality in stark contrast to her skyrocketing fame. This blend of talent and humility encapsulates what it means to be a breakout star, and it is evident that EJAE’s journey has only just begun.
Adding a nostalgic touch to the issue, the female cast members from the beloved series *Melrose Place* reunited for a special shoot and interview. Highlighting their past experiences, the actresses reminisced about the demanding hours they spent on set that often limited their opportunities for socialising. Andrea Lavinthal, who oversaw the special project, noted the warmth and humor shared among the group, leaving her hopeful for a potential reboot of the series.
PEOPLE’s franchise, *World’s Most Beautiful*, serves as more than just a showcase of physical beauty. It stands as a tribute to the strength, creativity, and allyship of women across the globe. The issue seeks to highlight not only the barriers women have overcome but also the individual stories of bravery and friendship that often go unnoticed.
For readers eager to delve deeper into the narratives behind the issue, PEOPLE offers exclusive video content and insights through its app. Additionally, Triggs invites fans to subscribe to her new newsletter, promising a curated selection of interviews, articles, and visual content from within the PEOPLE universe.
As Anne Hathaway takes her place as this year’s icon of beauty, it becomes clear that the theme of empowerment is at the forefront of this issue. As women continue to break boundaries and redefine societal standards, the message is clear: beauty lies not only in appearance but also in resilience and the shared experiences that bind us together.