Anne Hathaway's Role as Fantine in Les Misérables
Anne Hathaway portrayed Fantine, a struggling factory worker and single mother, in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables, directed by Tom Hooper. The film is based on the novel by Victor Hugo and the stage musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil. Hathaway's performance focused on the character's descent from hardship to sacrifice, culminating in the song "I Dreamed a Dream." The movie was produced by Universal Pictures and released in the United States on December 25, 2012. It earned a worldwide box office total of approximately $441 million according to Box Office Mojo. The cast included Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Javert, and Amanda Seyfried as Cosette.
Hathaway trained extensively for the role, including vocal coaching and physical preparation to depict Fantine's deterioration. The film used live singing on set rather than playback, a choice that shaped the performances and editing process. Les Misérables was shot at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom and on location in Paris and Gourdon, France. The production was led by Universal Pictures and Working Title Films. The movie received 8 Academy Award nominations and won 3, including Best Supporting Actress for Hathaway.
Anne Hathaway's Oscar Win and Awards for Les Misérables
Anne Hathaway won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Fantine in Les Misérables at the 85th Academy Awards ceremony held on February 24, 2013. She also received the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for the same role. The film itself was nominated for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes. Hathaway's win was widely reported by outlets such as Forbes, which covered the ceremony and her acceptance speech.
The Academy Award win marked a significant milestone in Hathaway's career, adding to her previous nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Rachel Getting Married. Her salary for Les Misérables was reported in the range of several hundred thousand dollars, below the top-tier fees commanded by lead actors in the same production. The film's soundtrack, featuring Hathaway's vocals, reached high chart positions globally and was certified platinum in multiple markets. The success of her performance contributed to subsequent leading roles in major studio films.
Box Office, Production Companies, and Legacy
Les Misérables grossed $148.8 million in North America and approximately $286.5 million in international markets for a worldwide total near $441 million, according to The Numbers. The production budget was reported at $54 million to $61 million, making the film a profitable venture for Universal Pictures and Working Title Films. The movie ranked among the highest-grossing musical films of its release year. The cast recording album achieved strong sales and streaming numbers, with Hathaway's rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" becoming a standout track.
The film's visual style, including the use of handheld cameras and minimal makeup, drew both praise and criticism from reviewers. Hathaway's performance remains a frequently cited example of a transformative supporting role in a large-scale musical adaptation. The movie is cataloged by the American Film Institute and referenced in industry analyses of musical films and book-to-screen adaptations. For current financial and production data, the film's details are tracked on platforms such as Box Office Mojo and The Numbers.
Forbes covered Hathaway's Oscar win and the film's awards run. Box Office Mojo provides the film's worldwide gross data.