13 Reasons Emma Watson Is Having a Magical 2017

Updated on 12/29/2017 at 5:55 PM

Emma Watson came back into the spotlight in a big way this year. After saying goodbye to her role as Hermione in the Harry Potter movies back in 2011, the actress starred in a few low-key films while going back to school and slowing down her schedule. But she stepped into another beloved role this year when she joined Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast as Belle. And her role as the Disney princess isn't the only way she's inspired us this year. The self-declared feminist has continuously spoken up for gender equality both in Hollywood and politics. See her best moments below.

She Marched For Women's Rights

The outspoken feminist was one of the many Hollywood stars who participated in the Women's March in Washington DC back in January.

She Took on the Iconic Role of Belle

After much anticipation, the actress played the iconic Disney princess in the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.

And She Completely Flipped the Script

Upon taking on the role, the actress strove to make Belle a more "feminist princess." Not only did she refuse to wear a corset in her yellow ballgown, but she also gave her a new career as an inventor.

She Slayed During the Beauty and the Beast Press Tour

While we love Beauty and the Beast, the press tour for the film was just as magical.

In Ethically Made Clothing, Mind You

Aside from sharing her secret beauty tips, Emma also kept her vow to wear ethically made clothing during the tour.

She Took Being a Disney Princess to Another Level

Are we sure Emma Watson isn't Belle in real life? She sure looks like royalty.

She Showed Off Her Infectious Personality

Even though Emma is usually pretty reserved, we were able to see a whole new side of her during her multiple press interviews. Not only did she make us laugh with her hidden camera prank on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, but she proved she is forever Hermione when she stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live.

And Bonded With Her Insanely Attractive Costars

Not only did she reunite with some of her Harry Potter costars during the LA premiere of Beauty and the Beast, but she also had some great chemistry with Luke Evans and Dan Stevens on the red carpet. Of course, who wouldn't be smiling ear-to-ear when standing between these two?

She Fangirled Over Celine Dion

One of the sweetest moments of the Beauty and the Beast press tour had to be when Emma met up with music icon Celine Dion — who lent her voice for the soundtrack — during the LA premiere. Emma admitted to Jimmy Kimmel that she was super starstruck after having admired her for years.

She Covered Vanity Fair

Emma covered the March issue of Vanity Fair, but not without some controversy. After posing topless in one of the photos from the inside spread, some people criticized her feminist views. Of course, Emma had the perfect response to the haters, saying, "Feminism is about giving women choice, feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with, it's about freedom, it's about liberation, it's about equality. I don't really know what my tits have to do with it."

She Premiered The Circle at the Tribeca Film Festival

In April, the actress walked the red carpet for the premiere of her film based on Dave Eggers's book of the same name. She even caught up with her former Harry Potter costar, Bonnie Wright, on the red carpet.

She Made History With Her MTV Movie and TV Award

In May, Emma became the recipient of the first genderless acting award when she took home best actor for her role as Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

She Lit Up the City of Light

While promoting The Circle in June, Emma shined bright for the film's photocall in Paris.