If you’ve seen the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables, you likely remember Anne Hathaway’s brief but powerful performance as Fantine—an appearance that earned her an Oscar and international acclaim. While her screen time was limited, her impact on film and the red carpet was unforgettable.
At the New York City premiere of Les Misérables on December 10, 2012, Anne Hathaway made a bold fashion statement in a head-to-toe Tom Ford ensemble that turned heads and cemented her status as a red carpet risk-taker. Her style evolution during the Les Mis press tour became as talked about as her haunting rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream.”
Anne Hathaway stuns in a dramatic black runway look from Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection, complete with daring bondage-style gladiator sandals, at the Les Misérables premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City on December 10, 2012 (Credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock)
Hathaway portrays the character of Fantine, an unwed mother forced into prostitution to support her young daughter, Cosette. The complicated and emotional role took a toll on Hathaway, who underwent physical and mental changes to portray the character as accurately as possible.
In addition to Hathaway, the film has an incredible all-star cast, including Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Helena Bonham Carter.
Anne Hathaway Wins Oscar for Fantine: A Role That Pushed Her Limits
Anne Hathaway, who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2013 for her brief appearance in the film, had to prepare emotionally and physically for her role as Fantine.
At the 2013 Oscars, her minimalist yet striking Prada gown became one of the most talked-about dresses of the night.
Anne Hathaway stuns in a pale pink Prada gown while holding her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress backstage at the 85th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 24, 2013 (Credit: Heather Ikei / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
Hathaway later told the press that she lost 25 pounds in two weeks to appear tired and sickly, an accurate portrayal of the character’s state throughout the film.
Amanda Seyfried in a sculptural black Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière dress with Alexandre Birman pumps, Anne Hathaway glowing in a pearl-studded Givenchy gown, and Samantha Barks in a sleek Stella McCartney gown paired with Adler earrings and Jimmy Choo heels at the Les Misérables World Premiere at Odeon Leicester Square on December 5, 2012, in London (Credit: INFphoto)
The sudden weight loss affected Hathaway more than physically; she felt mentally worn down and unwell.
“I had to be obsessive about it — the idea was to look near death,” Hathaway told Vogue about losing 25 pounds.
“Looking back on the whole experience — and I don’t judge it in any way — it was definitely a little nuts. It was definitely a break with reality, but I think that’s who [my character] Fantine is anyway.”
Not only did Hathaway undergo a significant physical transformation, but getting into character as the seamstress-turned-prostitute was so tricky that it continued to affect her even after filming.
Singing “I Dreamed a Dream”: Inside Anne Hathaway’s Most Haunting Performance
Anne Hathaway is only in the film rendition of Les Misérables for approximately 15 minutes, but she gives an incredibly unforgettable performance during that time.
Hathaway sang every take live of the haunting song “I Dreamed a Dream,” perhaps one of Les Misérables’ most well-known anthems.
Anne Hathaway lost 25 pounds to portray Fantine and impressed everyone with her singing in the 2012 epic period musical film Les Misérables (Credit: Universal Pictures)
To prepare for the role, Hathaway worked with a vocal coach to perfect her rendition of the beloved song. Hathaway said the pressure to audition for the film and perform the infamous song was a lot to take on.
“We did it upwards of 20 times, but it was the fourth take that Tom [Hooper, the director] came up to me and said, ‘You know, I have it. That was the one. I don’t imagine we’re going to do better than that,'” she told Yahoo! Movies about singing “I Dreamed a Dream,” a solo that is sung by the character Fantine during the first act.
“And I, of course, am like, ‘No no no no, we gotta go, we gotta go,’ and ‘I can do it again…’ And I never broke through in the same way again,” Hathaway added.
“So, at the end of eight hours of singing the song we realized we could have finished after the first 20 minutes.”
Anne Hathaway Earned $10 Million for Les Misérables—and It Was Well Deserved
In addition to winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, Anne Hathaway earned her biggest paycheck from filming Les Misérables. Hathaway played a small but essential role in the movie adaptation and made 10 million dollars.
Hugh Jackman, Eddie Redmayne, and Anne Hathaway in a Chanel Couture gown attend a press conference for “Les Misérables” during the 63rd Berlinale International Film Festival on February 9, 2013, in Berlin, Germany (Credit: INFphoto)
That same year, Hathaway scored another vital role in The Dark Knight Rises as Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. You can safely say that Anne Hathaway had a great year in 2012!
Anne Hathaway is a great actress who has taken on several significant roles in her career. Her portrayal of Fantine earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and the honor of playing one of film and theater’s most unforgettable characters.
Anne Hathaway proved her vocal skills in “Les Miserables” and contributed to the film winning three Oscars (including Best Supporting Actress for Hathaway) (Credit: Universal Pictures)
Hathaway’s willingness to take on a significant physical and mental transformation to play the incredible role is something film addicts and musical theater lovers will not soon forget.
Anne Hathaway’s Glamorous Les Misérables Premiere Looks: Paris to New York
Anne Hathaway may have portrayed a pauper in the musical “Les Misérables,” but she looked anything but as she graced the Paris red carpet for the film’s premiere.
Anne Hathaway, who clipped her hair for her role in “Les Misérables,” shows off her still-short pixie cut at the Paris premiere of the film, held on February 6, 2013, at Cinema Gaumont Marignan in Paris (Credit: WENN)
Anne arrived at the premiere in a beautiful, floor-sweeping pink gown by Prada, accented by delicate Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Anne Hathaway attends the Paris premiere of “Les Misérables” in a floor-length Prada gown (Credit: WENN)
Anne’s pretty satin dress featured crystal-beaded detailing along the neckline and a knee-high slit at the back.
Anne Hathaway lets the jeweled neckline of her strapless fuchsia Prada gown shine, pairing the look with strappy black sandals for a sleek and modern finish
She wore no jewelry except a bracelet, allowing her dress and radiant smile to take center stage. Her strappy black Giuseppe Zanotti heels subtly echoed the trim of her gown and added extra height, elongating the 5ft 7in (170.2 cm) actress’s silhouette for a sleek, statuesque finish.
Anne Hathaway shows off her black strappy stilettos and a glossy dark pedicure that perfectly complements her vibrant fuchsia gown
Anne’s Giuseppe Zanotti sandals are custom-designed and vegan! Thanks to our excellent reader, Lucia, for helping identify this style.
Giuseppe Zanotti sandals similar to Anne Hathaway’s custom-designed vegan pair
Anne Hathaway’s Best Shoe Moments: From Louboutin Heels to Vegan Zanottis
Anne Hathaway’s red carpet appearances are as much about her impeccable footwear choices as they are about her elegant ensembles. Here are some of her most unforgettable shoe moments:
Anne Hathaway in Christian Louboutin x Jonathan Saunders Heels at ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ Premiere
- Event: ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ Premiere
- Outfit: Anne Hathaway dazzled in a custom Christopher Kane dress adorned with daring floral appliqués.
- Footwear: She paired the ensemble with Christian Louboutin x Jonathan Saunders heels, featuring sleek black suede and modern PVC detailing.
- Read more: Anne Hathaway’s Mesmerizing Christian Louboutin Heels at ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ Premiere
Anne Hathaway’s Christian Louboutin Fringe Sandals at ‘Interstellar’ Premiere
- Event: ‘Interstellar’ Premiere
- Outfit: The actress wore a sleek midnight blue satin gown by Richard Nicoll.
- Footwear: She completed the look with Christian Louboutin fringe peep-toe sandals, adding a touch of vintage flair.
- Discover more: Anne Hathaway Shines at the ‘Interstellar’ Premiere With Starry Hand Jewelry
Anne Hathaway’s Sustainable Fashion Choice: Christian Louboutin ‘Marchavekel’ Sandals at ‘Colossal’ Screening
- Event: ‘Colossal’ New York Screening
- Outfit: Anne embraced sustainable fashion with a vintage Armani Privé gown.
- Footwear: She opted for Christian Louboutin ‘Marchavekel’ sandals in smooth black leather, featuring knotted fabric vamps and signature red soles.
- See her look: Anne Hathaway Champions Sustainable Fashion on ‘Colossal’ Red Carpet Tour
Anne Hathaway Elevates Her Height in Valentino Heels at Haute Couture Show
- Event: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 22/23 Fashion Show
- Outfit: Embracing the Barbiecore trend, Anne wore a vibrant pink ensemble.
- Footwear: She elevated her 5ft 7in (170.2 cm) frame with chic maroon and canvas Valentino heels.
- Explore more: Anne Hathaway: From 5ft 7 to Even Taller in Heels From Valentino and More
Anne Hathaway’s Bold Aquazzura ‘Bellissima’ Sandals at Cannes Film Festival
- Event: Cannes Film Festival
- Outfit: Anne stunned in a Schiaparelli Spring 2022 look featuring a cropped blouse and wide-leg pants with sequin embellishments.
- Footwear: She completed the ensemble with Aquazzura ‘Bellissima’ sandals, boasting ankle-tie closures and multicolored straps.
- Read more: Anne Hathaway’s 2022 Style Evolution: Ingenue to Bombshell
These moments highlight Anne Hathaway’s impeccable taste in footwear, showcasing her ability to blend classic elegance with bold fashion choices.