Experience breeds knowledge, and Anne Hathaway recalled her Academy Award win over a decade ago as a stepping stone in her career.
While winning the award was a big step in her career, it also ushered in a disturbing period.
Opening up
Anne Hathaway won the 2012 Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Les Miserable.
She discussed what happened on Monday after her victory at the ELLE event in Hollywood.
Hathaway talked about the hatred she endured online and in the media for her victory.
The price then degenerated into a more substantial backlash.
“Ten years ago, I was given an opportunity to look at the language of hatred from a new perspective,” said the actress.
“For context–this was a language I had employed with myself since I was seven.”
“And when your self-inflicted pain is suddenly somehow amplified back at you at, say, the full volume of the internet… it’s a thing.”
Anne Hathaway said the experience made her conclude that she didn’t want to be involved with “this line of energy.”
“I would no longer create art from this place,” she added.
“I would no longer hold space for it, live in fear of it, nor speak its language for any reason. To anyone. Including myself.”
After the win
2012 was one of the most successful years for Anne Hathaway, winning numerous awards.
She won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA and was considered by many as a heavy favorite for an Oscar.
However, her victory would come with heavy criticism.
“There is a difference between existence and behavior,” Hathaway explained.
“You can judge behavior. You can forgive behavior or not. But you do not have the right to judge–and especially not hate–someone for existing.”
“And if you do, you’re not where it’s at.”
Reflection
Anne Hathaway concluded with a reflection on hate.
She highlighted how hate, although a learned behavior, can be unlearned and changed.
“The good news about hate being learned is that whoever learned it can learn,” Hathaway explained.
“There is a brain there. I hope they give themselves a chance to relearn love.”
At the 29th edition of ELLE’s Women in Hollywood event, the actress also paid tribute to her fellow honorees, including:
- Arana DeBose
- Issa Rae
- Michelle Yeoh
- Olivia Wilde
- Sigourney Weaver
- Sydney Sweeney
- Zoe Kravitz
“Be happy for women. Period,” said Hathaway.
“Especially be happy for high-achieving women. Like, it’s not that hard.”
Reference:
Anne Hathaway reflects on the ‘hate’ she endured after winning her Oscar
