Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, and Dwayne Johnson Honored at 2026 Disney Legends Awards

The Walt Disney Company honored 11 new inductees as Disney Legends during the 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The ceremony, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the company’s history and legacy, took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The 2026 Disney Legends Awards featured a diverse group of honorees, including Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the event served as a centerpiece for the biennial exposition, where Disney provides fans with previews of upcoming film, television, and theme park projects. The induction celebrates the contributions of stars, storytellers, and business leaders who have helped shape the brand over several decades.

Anne Hathaway, who made her debut as Mia Thermopolis in the 2001 film The Princess Diaries, was among the honorees. Her relationship with the company continued through the 2004 sequel The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, as well as her roles as the White Queen in Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. In her remarks, Hathaway expressed gratitude for her career and family, stating, “As cool as all this is, just us being us is where I’m happiest.”

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger was also inducted, receiving recognition for his leadership over a tenure spanning more than two decades. Current CEO Josh D’Amaro introduced Iger, describing him as “one of the most consequential business leaders of our time.” The tribute included appearances by Robert Downey Jr., Diane Sawyer, Harrison Ford, Ellen Pompeo, and Al Michaels. Reflecting on his career, which saw the acquisition of major studios such as Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, Iger emphasized the role of creative talent in the company’s success. “It’s your integrity and your kindness that will be your legacy forever,” Pompeo said during the tribute.

Dwayne Johnson, who voices the character Maui in the Moana franchise, was honored by his Jungle Cruise costar Emily Blunt. Johnson’s career with the company includes a significant presence in global box office hits. According to The Walt Disney Company, Johnson has appeared in more than 40 films, with his projects grossing over $15 billion globally. During his speech, Johnson focused on the importance of kindness and the goal of creating joyful experiences for families. “We all do what we can to create moments and experiences of joy for people and their families all around the world,” Johnson said. “That’s important and it means something.”

Career Milestones and Industry Impact

The 2026 induction highlights the varied paths taken by those who have become fixtures within the Disney ecosystem. For Dwayne Johnson, the recognition follows a career defined by multiple professional transitions. After an early career in professional wrestling, Johnson moved into acting and production, eventually becoming one of the top five box-office stars in history, as noted by The Walt Disney Company. His upcoming work includes the live-action Moana, scheduled for release in Summer 2026.

Photo: goodmorningamerica.com

Honoree	Notable Association
Anne Hathaway	The Princess Diaries, Alice in Wonderland
Bob Iger	Former CEO, Acquisitions (Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm)
Dwayne Johnson	Moana, Jungle Cruise, Jumanji
Jonas Brothers	Music, Disney Channel productions
Lin-Manuel Miranda	Moana (Music), Encanto

The event also served as a moment for the company to look toward its future content slate. With the induction concluded, the focus for the company and its fans now shifts to the upcoming theatrical releases and park experiences previewed during the D23 exposition. These projects, including the live-action Moana and other announced titles, represent the next chapter for the individuals honored during the weekend’s festivities.

What are your thoughts on this year’s class of Disney Legends? Join the conversation in the comments below and share this update with fellow Disney fans.