Elle Fanning: Hollywood’s Versatile Actress
Toronto, Ontario – January 11, 2026 – Elle Fanning, born Mary Elle Fanning on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses. With a career spanning over two decades, she has transitioned from child roles to acclaimed performances in independent films and major blockbusters.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Fanning began acting at age two, playing younger versions of her sister Dakota Fanning in films like I Am Sam (2001) and Taken (2002). Her first independent role came in Daddy Day Care (2003). She gained recognition in The Door in the Floor (2004) and Because of Winn-Dixie (2005). Notable early works include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) and Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere (2010), where she earned a Critics’ Choice Movie Award nomination for Best Young Actress.
Rise to Prominence
In 2011, Fanning starred in J.J. Abrams’ Super 8 and Cameron Crowe’s We Bought a Zoo. She received widespread acclaim for her role in Sally Potter’s Ginger & Rosa (2012), earning a British Independent Film Award nomination. Fanning portrayed Princess Aurora in Maleficent (2014) and its sequel Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019). She explored darker themes in Nicolas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon (2016) and Mike Mills’ 20th Century Women (2016).
Recent Projects and Awards
Fanning starred as Catherine the Great in the Hulu series The Great (2020–2023), earning a Primetime Emmy nomination and three Golden Globe nominations. In 2022, she portrayed Michelle Carter in The Girl from Plainville. Her 2024 role in A Complete Unknown as Sylvie Russo garnered a National Board of Review Award. In 2025, she appeared in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, winning the Grand Prix at Cannes, and Dan Trachtenberg’s Predator: Badlands as synthetics Thia and Tessa. Upcoming projects include The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026) as Effie Trinket and Margo’s Got Money Troubles (2026).
Key Facts and Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | April 9, 1998 |
| Height | 1.75 metres |
| Notable Awards | National Board of Review Award (2024), Cannes Grand Prix (2025), 17 wins & 77 nominations total |
| Film Count | Over 80 acting credits, including 10 as producer |
| Education | Campbell Hall School graduate (2016) |
Personal Life
Fanning is the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning. She graduated from Campbell Hall School in 2016. From 2018 to 2023, she dated actor Max Minghella. Since late 2023, she has been in a relationship with Gus Wenner, CEO of Rolling Stone. Fanning is known for her advocacy in film and fashion, serving as a L’Oréal Paris ambassador.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Elle Fanning?
Elle Fanning is 27 years old as of January 2026.
What is Elle Fanning’s most famous role?
She is best known for portraying Princess Aurora in the Maleficent films and Catherine the Great in The Great.
Has Elle Fanning won any major awards?
Yes, she won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2024 and shared the Cannes Grand Prix in 2025.