In the ever-evolving tapestry of Hollywood, few stars have managed to maintain a balance of ethereal grace and gritty versatility quite like Elle Fanning. From her early days as a child prodigy in the shadow of her famous sister to her current status as an Oscar-nominated powerhouse and fashion icon, Elle has defined what it means to grow up in the spotlight with intentionality.
As of early 2026, she is navigating her busiest year yet, transitioning from her Emmy-nominated reign as Catherine the Great to a series of high-stakes cinematic and television roles that are already generating major awards buzz.
Elle Fanning Biography
Born Mary Elle Fanning on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, Elle was born into a family of athletes and performers. While she initially began her career at the age of two, playing younger versions of her sister Dakota’s characters, she quickly carved out her own path. Known for her porcelain features and a whimsical, “old soul” energy, Elle has consistently chosen roles that challenge her, moving from indie darlings like The Neon Demon to massive blockbusters like the Maleficent franchise.
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Career
Elle’s career is a masterclass in professional evolution:
- The Breakout (2011): Her role in J.J. Abrams’ Super 8 proved she was more than just a child star; she was a dramatic force.
- The Indie Muse: Collaborations with Sofia Coppola in Somewhere and The Beguiled established her as a critical favorite.
- The Television Pivot (2020–2024): For four seasons, she captivated audiences in Hulu’s The Great, a role that earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
- The 2026 Resurgence: This year, Elle is at the center of the cultural zeitgeist. She is a 2026 Golden Globe and Oscar nominee for her performance in Sentimental Value. In February 2026, she also unveiled the trailer for her highly anticipated Apple TV+ series, Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
Elle Fanning Movies
- Super 8 (2011): The sci-fi hit that made her a household name.
- Maleficent (2014) & Mistress of Evil (2019): Playing Princess Aurora alongside Angelina Jolie.
- The Neon Demon (2016): A dark, stylistic turn that proved her range in psychological horror.
- Sentimental Value (2025): The film that secured her a 2026 Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
- A Complete Unknown (2025): Starring as Sylvie Russo opposite Timothée Chalamet’s Bob Dylan.
- The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026): In a major casting win, she portrays the iconic Effie Trinket in the prequel.
Elle Fanning Net Worth
As of early 2026, Elle Fanning’s net worth is estimated at $8 million. This fortune has been carefully built through high-profile acting salaries, her work as an executive producer on projects like The Great, and prestigious brand ambassadorships with houses like Cartier and L’Oréal Paris.
Family
Elle is the younger daughter of Heather Joy Arrington, a former pro tennis player, and Steven Fanning, a former minor league baseball player. Most notably, she is the sister of Dakota Fanning. In a heartwarming 2026 update, Elle revealed that she and Dakota are finally fulfilling their lifelong dream of working together in the upcoming film adaptation of The Nightingale, currently in production.
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The Dating History & Relationships
Elle Fanning and Zalman Band
Early in her career, around 2014, Elle was briefly linked to Zalman Band, a singer and musician. The two were spotted together at various high school-era events, but the relationship remained a quiet, youthful chapter of her life.
Elle Fanning and Max Minghella
From 2018 to 2023, Elle was in a long-term, high-profile relationship with actor and director Max Minghella. The two met on the set of Teen Spirit and became a beloved red-carpet couple. They officially split in early 2023, with Elle citing that she was still a “hopeless romantic” but learning to embrace her “adult era” on her own.
Elle Fanning and Gus Wenner
Now, Elle is in a serious relationship with Gus Wenner, the CEO of Rolling Stone. The pair began dating in late 2023 and made their joint red carpet debut at the 2024 Golden Globes. In January 2026, Elle opened up about their future, telling Who What Wear that she definitely wants children and that her future with Wenner “looks bright.”
Controversies
Elle has largely navigated Hollywood without major scandal, though she has faced recent social media discourse:
- The OnlyFans Teaser: In February 2026, the trailer for Margo’s Got Money Troubles featured Elle’s character starting an OnlyFans account to pay the bills. The provocative imagery sparked a wide debate about the normalization of adult content creators in mainstream media, which Elle defended as a “realistic portrayal of a woman doing what she has to do.”
- “Nepo Baby” Status: Like many of her peers, Elle has been swept into the “nepotism” debate, though most critics point to her two decades of consistent, high-quality work as proof of her undeniable merit.
Elle Fanning Age
As of February 2026, Elle Fanning is 27 years old. She will celebrate her 28th birthday on April 9, 2026.
Elle Fanning Instagram
With over 7 million followers, Elle’s Instagram (@ellefanning) is a curated blend of high-fashion editorials, candid set photos, and her signature quirky humor. Recently, she has used the platform to document her 2026 awards season journey and to share her goal of “spiraling less and staying more present” in the new year.
Conclusion
Elle Fanning is no longer the “little sister” of Hollywood. In 2026, she stands as an Oscar-nominated actress, a savvy producer, and a woman who has successfully reclaimed her narrative. Whether she’s playing a Russian Empress or a struggling mother on Apple TV, her luminous talent remains impossible to ignore.
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