Alicia Vikander Shines as Princess Kitty in Joe Wright’s Anna Karenina (2012): Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Red Carpet Glory

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In 2012, the Ex Machina star portrayed Kitty in Joe Wright’s adaptation of Anna Karenina. The 2012 historical romantic drama film was released in the United States on November 9, 2012, when Alicia Vikander was 24.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky and Alicia Vikander as Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya in Anna KareninaAaron Taylor-Johnson as Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky and Alicia Vikander as Princess Ekaterina “Kitty” Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya in Anna Karenina (Credit: Universal Pictures)

Saoirse Ronan’s Initial Casting and Filming Challenges

Saoirse Ronan was initially cast in the role of Kitty but turned it down due to scheduling conflicts. Filming for the movie started in September 2011 and wrapped up in March 2012.

Instead of the supporting role in Anna Karenina, Saoirse opted to star in Byzantium and The Host.

Alicia Vikander, Guro Schia, and Keira Knightley stun in elegant gowns at the Anna Karenina premiere Alicia Vikander, Guro Schia, and Keira Knightley stun in elegant gowns at the Anna Karenina premiere at ArcLight Cinemas on November 14, 2012, in Hollywood, California (Credit: WENN)

Alicia Vikander described the harsh conditions during the filming of Anna Karenina in the Russian countryside. Temperatures dropped to 40 below, they lacked hot water for five days, and they had to sleep on benches in a cabin.

“It was 40 below, we didn’t have hot water for five days and slept in a cabin, on a bench,” Vikander told The Guardian about filming in the countryside outside of St. Petersburg, Russia.

“On our call sheets it actually said: ‘Beware of wolves. They are known to attack lone humans.’ We saw a wolf one time, and a bear, but there were some very tough Russian security guys who came along.”

Alicia Vikander shows off her statement earrings from Louis VuittonAlicia Vikander shows off her statement earrings from Louis Vuitton (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

Alicia Vikander’s Acclaimed Performance in Anna Karenina

The Swedish actress received the Breakthrough Performer Award at the Hamptons Film Festival in 2012 for her performance in Anna Karenina.

Alicia Vikander’s Red Carpet Moment at the 2016 Academy Awards

In February 2016, Alicia Vikander hit the red carpet in a gorgeous yellow dress at the 2016 Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. She won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award for her work in The Danish Girl.

Alicia Vikander wears her hair half-up, half-down at the 2016 Academy AwardsAlicia Vikander wears her hair half-up, half-down at the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

The then 27-year-old actress dazzled in a custom strapless Louis Vuitton gown featuring silver beaded embroidery. How do you like Alicia’s voluminous skirt and bright color at the 88th Annual Academy Awards?

Alicia Vikander wears a voluminous yellow Louis Vuitton gown on the red carpetAlicia Vikander wears a voluminous yellow Louis Vuitton gown on the red carpet (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

To complete the Disney princess ensemble, Alicia accessorized with chandelier-inspired Louis Vuitton statement earrings and custom-made metallic lucite heels from the same French fashion house.

Alicia Vikander dazzles in a custom yellow Louis Vuitton gown with silver embellishments at the 2016 Academy Awards, completing the look with metallic lucite heelsAlicia Vikander dazzles in a custom yellow Louis Vuitton gown with silver embellishments at the 2016 Academy Awards, completing the look with metallic lucite heels (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

Alicia Vikander's metallic lucite heels subtly boosted her height, perfectly complementing her Oscar-winning look at the 2016 Academy AwardsAlicia Vikander’s metallic lucite heels subtly boosted her height, perfectly complementing her Oscar-winning look at the 2016 Academy Awards (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

Alicia Vikander's feet in metallic lucite Louis Vuitton heelsAlicia Vikander’s feet in metallic lucite Louis Vuitton heels (Credit: Brian To / WENN)