Elle Fanning Stuns in Luxe Fur Coat for W Magazine’s 2026 Best Performances Issue
Elle Fanning recently appeared in W Magazine’s 2026 Best Performances Issue, sharing her thoughts on her latest roles, acting experiences, and life in general.
In the interview, Fanning discussed working with Danish-Norwegian director Joachim Trier on his new film Sentimental Value. She said she would have accepted even a tiny role for him, but ended up playing Rachel, a young American actor caught in a complex emotional story. Fanning’s performance has already earned critical praise and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Talking about filming in Oslo, Fanning said, “Yes, I was an American actress coming to Norway for the first time, much like my character… I loved it there. It’s very clean, and everyone is riding around on their bikes. I kind of fit right in there.”
She also shared memories from filming at real film festivals, like Deauville, where she could relate to her character attending premiere events. Fanning recalled a funny and dramatic moment at Cannes when she fainted in a tight dress and Colin Firth came to help her, adding, “But I’m known to faint. In school, I would faint a lot.”
Elle Fanning for W Magazine’s 2026 Best Performances Issue
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The actor opened up about her approach to roles. She explained that while she’s never walked away from a part, she does sometimes choose between roles depending on what feels right. Rachel, her character in Sentimental Value, starts less confident but grows as the story unfolds. Fanning also admitted to getting starstruck, sharing a story about tripping over her shoes at the Met Gala when she saw Cardi B: “She looked over and said, ‘Are you okay?’”
For the W Magazine shoot, Fanning dressed as a candy-striper nurse, with the photographer asking her to channel a slightly crazed look for the camera. She also talked about learning new skills for roles, like horse riding and playing the trumpet, even if the scenes were cut, saying she’s always willing to try. She described herself as “100% a dog… independent, like CatDog.”
Fanning offered advice she values from her mother: “How you handle your disappointments is what defines you… People are going to tell you no, but the way you pick up your bootstraps, power on, and find that passion again, that’s important.” She also revealed her favorite reality show, On Brand with Jimmy Fallon, and reflected humorously on past fashion experiments, like trying faux bangs that didn’t work out.
The W Magazine interview captured Fanning discussing her acting journey, personal experiences on set, and glimpses of her personality off-screen. She also shared behind-the-scenes stories, life lessons, and her playful approach to fashion and self-expression.
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