The Devil Wears Prada is a
2006 comedy-drama film, a loose
screen adaptation of
Lauren Weisberger's
2003 novel of the same name. It stars
Anne Hathaway as
Andy Sachs, a recent college graduate who goes to
New York City and gets a job as a co-assistant to powerful and demanding
fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly, played by
Meryl Streep.
Emily Blunt and
Stanley Tucci co-star in support of the two leads, as catty co-assistant Emily Charlton, and critical yet supportive Art Director Nigel, respectively.
Adrian Grenier,
Simon Baker and
Tracie Thoms play key supporting roles.
Wendy Finerman produced and
David Frankel directed; the film was distributed by
20th Century Fox.
Streep's performance drew rave reviews from critics and later earned her many award nominations, including her record-setting 14th Oscar bid, as well as a
Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. Blunt also drew favorable notice and nominations, as did many of those involved in the film's production. While critical reaction to the film as a whole was more measured, it was well received by the public becoming a surprise summer box-office hit following its June 30 North American release. The commercial success and critical praise for Streep's performance continued in foreign markets, with the film leading the international box office for most of October. The U.S.
DVD release likewise was the top rental during December. Ultimately, it would gross over $300 million, mostly from its international run, and finish in 2006's top 20 both in the U.S. and overseas. It is also the 2nd highest-grossing film in Streep's career (the first being
Mamma Mia!) and the highest grossing in Hathaway's.
Although the movie is set in the fashion world, most
designers and other fashion notables avoided appearing as themselves for fear of displeasing U.S.
Vogue editor
Anna Wintour, who is widely believed to have been the inspiration for Priestly. Many designers did, however, allow their clothes and
accessories to be used in the film, making it the most expensively-costumed film in history.
Wintour later overcame her initial skepticism,
[Walters, Barbara; December 12, 2006; Anna Wintour: Always in Vogue; "The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2006"; retrieved from abcnews.go.com December 18, 2006.] saying she liked the film and Streep in particular.
