In the May 2026 cover story for ELLE UK, titled "I’m A Sucker For Romance," Oscar-nominated actor Elle Fanning marks a defining transition from celebrated child star to a formidable Hollywood producer. Photographed by Olivia Malone and styled by Heathermary Jackson, Fanning appears at the legendary Chateau Marmont—a place she has considered her "playground" since filming Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere at age 11. Now 27 and navigating her "Saturn return," Fanning is embracing a new chapter defined by professional autonomy and an unapologetic commitment to her true self.

Fanning’s career, which has now spanned a quarter of a century and over 50 credits, is a testament to her extraordinary range. Since her debut at age two in I Am Sam, she has moved effortlessly through blockbusters like Super 8 and Maleficent, and indie darlings such as 20th Century Women and The Neon Demon. Her performance in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value recently placed her firmly at the center of the awards season conversation, while her role in The Great served as a professional turning point where she first took on the mantle of executive producer.

Under her and sister Dakota’s production banner, Lewellen Pictures, Fanning is set to star in the Apple TV+ series Margo’s Got Money Troubles. The show follows a young mother who turns to OnlyFans to support her child and features a powerhouse cast including Michelle Pfeiffer and Nicole Kidman. Kidman describes Fanning’s portrayal of Margo as a "heroine’s journey" filled with empathy and bravery. Fanning notes that she felt very protected on the set of this exposing role, as all the directors for the project were women.

Family remains the bedrock of Fanning's life, particularly her relationship with her sister, Dakota, whom she calls her "best friend". The pair are currently preparing to shoot The Nightingale in Budapest, which marks their first on-screen collaboration as a duo. Fanning also credits her long-term "chosen family"—the stylists, glam teams, and directors like Sofia Coppola and Michelle Pfeiffer—for helping her successfully navigate the pitfalls of childhood stardom.

A self-described "sucker for romance," Fanning finds inspiration in both fashion and memory. She balances a love for sharp Givenchy tailoring with the "fairy-tale dress moments" of classic Old Hollywood. As a sentimental archivist, she saves every note from her boyfriend, Gus Wenner, and even kept family roast wishbones as reminders of past chapters. While she admits she is soft, she refuses to apologize for her personality, noting that she also has a temper.

As she moves from ingénue to a maker of her own destiny, Fanning remains relentlessly optimistic. Whether she is winning a Saturn Award for Predator: Badlands or planning her future as a mother, she approaches every role with the infectious joy that has made her a "beam of light" in the industry. No longer just Hollywood’s muse, Fanning is now firmly in charge of her own creative destiny.