Anne Hathaway Wears Aquazzura Platform Sandals at Breakthrough Prize

Actress Anne Hathaway made a notable fashion statement at the 2024 Breakthrough Prize ceremony by opting for a bold footwear choice, swapping her traditional press tour pumps for a pair of sky-high platform sandals from luxury brand Aquazzura. The event, held on April 6, 2024, at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, celebrated achievements in fundamental physics, life sciences, and mathematics, drawing a blend of scientific luminaries and high-profile entertainment figures.

Hathaway, who attended the gala as a presenter, chose Aquazzura’s iconic ‘Veronica’ platform sandals in a metallic gold finish. The design features a 4.5-inch heel paired with a 1.5-inch platform, creating a dramatic elevation that underscored her red carpet presence. The sandals, part of Aquazzura’s Spring 2024 collection, are known for their architectural silhouette and have been frequently favored by celebrities seeking a balance of glamour and height.

The Breakthrough Prize, often referred to as the “Oscars of Science,” is funded by foundations linked to Sergey Brin, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, Yuri Milner, and Anne Wojcicki. Now in its twelfth year, the award recognizes transformative contributions to science and includes a $3 million prize per category. The ceremony, hosted by actor and comedian James Corden, typically blends scientific recognition with entertainment elements, including musical performances and celebrity presenters.

Hathaway’s appearance at the event aligns with her ongoing involvement in high-profile cultural and philanthropic gatherings. The actress, an Academy Award winner for her role in Les Misérables (2012), has increasingly used red carpet moments to highlight designer collaborations and support causes tied to innovation and creativity. Her choice of Aquazzura reflects a continued relationship with the brand, which she has worn at prior events including film festivals and award shows.

Aquazzura, founded in 2011 by Colombian designer Edgardo Osorio, has become a staple on international red carpets for its sculptural heels and luxurious materials. The brand operates boutiques in major fashion capitals and is stocked by high-end retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Harrods. Its designs often appear in editorial spreads and celebrity style roundups, particularly during award season.

While Hathaway did not grant interviews specifically about her footwear choice at the Breakthrough Prize, her stylist has previously noted in industry interviews that comfort and visual impact are key considerations when selecting shoes for extended events. Platform styles like the ‘Veronica’ are often favored for their ability to provide height without the strain of a steep heel alone, making them practical for lengthy ceremonies and receptions.

The 2024 Breakthrough Prize honored scientists in fields including gene sequencing, quantum sensing, and neurodegenerative disease research. Notable winners included David Liu for his development of prime editing, a precise form of gene therapy, and Demis Hassabis and John Jumper for their work on AlphaFold, the AI system that revolutionized protein structure prediction. The evening’s proceedings were broadcast globally, with highlights shared across major networks and streaming platforms.

Hathaway’s presence underscored the intersection of entertainment and scientific advocacy that the Breakthrough Prize seeks to foster. By bringing celebrity visibility to the sciences, the event aims to inspire public interest in STEM fields. Her fashion choice, while seemingly peripheral, contributed to the evening’s broader narrative of blending intellectual achievement with cultural expression.

As of now, neither Hathaway’s representatives nor Aquazzura have issued additional commentary on the specific pairing worn at the event. The look remains one of the most discussed footwear moments from the 2024 ceremony, noted in post-event reviews by outlets such as WWD, Vogue, and The Hollywood Reporter for its bold execution and alignment with the actress’s reputation for thoughtful, impactful red carpet selections.