Anne Hathaway on 'tough' Oscars criticism

The Love and Other Drugs actress has spoken out for the first time about the onslaught of negative reviews her and co-host James Franco suffered for their Oscars’ performance

Anne Hathaway has spoken out for the first time about the onslaught of negative press she and co-host James Franco suffered for their Oscars' performance, calling the experience 'tough'. The 28-year-old star explained on The Today Show, ‘The experience was so big. The bigness of it was so overwhelming. I felt so much joy to get to be a part of movie history.

‘The critics were tough. They said we were the worst show ever. I think that qualifies as tough,’ she admitted.

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She was, however, quick to thank fans for their support: ‘There was the critical reaction, which was awful. Then there are the people who have been coming up to me since then who stop and say, “I thought it was fantastic. I watched it with my family and we were entertained.” I am very grateful to those people.’

Forever optimistic, she concluded: ‘I still got to walk out on the Kodak (stage) and see those people and someday I’ll get to tell my grandkids about it.’

The young host’s performance was largely panned for the lack of chemistry and repartee with Franco. Yet the criticism Anne received was nothing in comparison to her partner.

Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter commented: 'Anne Hathaway at least tried to sing and dance and preen along to the goings on, but Franco seemed distant, uninterested and content to keep his Cheshire-cat-meets-smug smile on display throughout.'

The 127 Hours leading mantold David Letterman that he found it difficult to live up to Anne’s energy: 'I love her, but Anne Hathaway is so energetic, I think the Tasmanian Devil would look stoned standing next to Anne Hathaway,' he joked.

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