When Jeremy Strong stepped onto the Golden Globes red carpet on January 5, he probably didn’t expect his outfit to draw comparisons to an iconic look from a beloved early-2000s film. But Anne Hathaway, always quick with a sense of humor and a touch of nostalgia, was ready to make the connection for all of us.
Strong, known for his intense performances and serious roles, turned heads in a velvet mint-green suit paired with a matching bucket hat. To fans of Hathaway, the ensemble struck a chord of familiarity. It bore an uncanny resemblance to the outfit worn by Hathaway’s character, Mia Thermopolis, in the 2001 classic The Princess Diaries. The look in question? A periwinkle-blue velvet suit paired with – you guessed it – a twinning bucket hat. The resemblance was enough to send social media into a frenzy of side-by-side comparisons.
Hathaway, never one to miss an opportunity for a good laugh, took to Instagram to address the delightful coincidence. She posted a split image of herself as Mia in The Princess Diaries alongside Strong at the Golden Globes, highlighting the similarities between the two ensembles. Her caption was as playful as it was gracious:
“Sweetheart, I’m not mad you borrowed it, but I didn’t totally realize you were going to change the col… anyway, not important. Congrats on your well-deserved nom for The Apprentice!!!”
Fans adored Hathaway’s cheeky tone, which added another layer of charm to an already delightful moment.
A Nod to Nostalgia
The timing of this fashion flashback couldn’t be more perfect. Just a few months ago, Hathaway confirmed that the Princess Diaries franchise is officially making a comeback. In October, she teased the highly anticipated third installment with a post on Instagram that read simply, “Back to Genovia.” For fans of the franchise, this nod to the fictional European kingdom where Mia became royalty sent excitement levels soaring.
Seeing Hathaway reference Mia’s iconic style while celebrating her colleague’s Golden Globes moment was a nostalgic treat for those who grew up with the beloved films. It’s a testament to how deeply ingrained The Princess Diaries has become in pop culture – even influencing red carpet fashion more than two decades later.
A Shared History
Interestingly, Hathaway and Strong aren’t strangers to working together. The two have shared the screen in films like Serenity (2019) and Armageddon Time (2022). Their professional rapport made Hathaway’s playful jab even more endearing – this was clearly all in good fun.
While Hathaway skipped this year’s Golden Globes, Strong attended as a nominee. He was up for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his performance in The Apprentice. Although he didn’t take home the trophy – it went to his former Succession co-star, Kieran Culkin, for A Real Pain – Strong’s outfit certainly stole the show.
The Power of a Memorable Look
Strong’s daring fashion choice at the Globes is a reminder that red carpet moments are about more than just awards; they’re a chance for actors to express themselves in unexpected and creative ways. And whether intentional or not, Strong’s nod to Hathaway’s Princess Diaries look was an instant hit, sparking conversations across social media and bringing a bit of whimsy to the typically serious awards season.
For Hathaway, the moment was a chance to reflect on her own history and the cultural impact of a character she played more than 20 years ago. Her lighthearted Instagram post showed that she’s not only a good sport but also someone who understands the joy of revisiting a beloved piece of cinematic history.
As fans eagerly await the return to Genovia in The Princess Diaries 3, moments like these keep the spirit of Mia Thermopolis alive. And while Jeremy Strong may not have taken home a Golden Globe, he did leave the evening with a bit of royal flair – and the approval of the princess herself.