Elle Fanning Turns Heads in Elegant Fur Coat for W Magazine’s 2026 Best Performances Issue

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Elle Fanning is the cover star of W Magazine’s 2026 Best Performances issue, where she discusses her acting career and shares personal stories, alongside a showcase of her fashion sense.

During the interview, she talked about her new movie, Sentimental Value, what it was like filming, and shared some amusing stories from her life.

Actress Haley Fanning was thrilled to collaborate with director Joachim Trier, known for his 2021 Oscar-nominated film, The Worst Person in the World. The project, Sentimental Value, was something she couldn’t turn down. As she explained to W Magazine, she would have accepted even a small role just to work with him.

In the movie, she portrays Rachel, a rising American actress who lands a part originally created for a director’s daughter. Fanning shared that Rachel becomes more self-assured as she deals with difficulties during filming.

Elle Fanning for W Magazine’s 2026 Best Performances Issue

📸: Tyrone Lebon

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 6, 2026

Filming took Dakota Fanning to Oslo, Norway, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She felt a connection to the city, saying, “It was my first time in Norway, just like my character in the film, and I absolutely loved it. It’s a very clean city, and everyone gets around by bike, so I felt right at home.” Fanning also reminisced about attending film festivals in places like Cannes and Deauville, recalling both a memorable time she fainted and a fun night dancing barefoot at a party.

Fanning explained that she deliberately creates distance between herself and the characters she plays, so she doesn’t carry their feelings with her after work.

Playing Rachel required her to confront some difficult emotions and personal issues. She also mentioned she’s selective about the roles she takes, turning down parts that don’t resonate with her. She described Rachel as initially less self-assured than herself, explaining that the character’s confidence blossoms throughout the movie as Gustav helps her realize a hidden talent.

The actress also revealed some amusing personal stories. She confessed she gets starstruck, recounting a funny moment where she tripped in front of Cardi B at the Met Gala. She joked that she has the personality of a dog and shared some fashion fails, like a disastrous attempt at clip-in bangs. She also shared wisdom from her mother: “It’s how you deal with setbacks that truly matters… You’ll face rejection, but it’s important to stay resilient, keep going, and rediscover your passion.”

Fanning shared that she loves watching reality TV, especially shows focused on competition and artistic expression. She also discussed her hair, saying she had fun wearing a wig for a specific role, but generally prefers her natural blonde hair.

For W Magazine, Fanning modeled gorgeous looks styled by photographer Tyrone Lebon. She wore outfits like a Gucci coat and dress paired with Cartier jewelry, as well as a Ponte dress with Wolford tights and Donna Karan sandals. One of the creative shots featured her styled as a nurse.

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2026-01-06 18:45