<P> Belle has garnered widespread acclaim from film critics who appreciated the character 's bravery , intelligence and independence . Reception towards her feminism , however , has been more mixed , with commentators accusing the character 's actions of being romance - oriented . The fifth Disney Princess , Belle is often ranked among the franchise 's best . Highly regarded as one of Disney 's strongest examples of a feminist character , critics agree that Belle helped spearhead a generation of independent film heroines while changing the reputation of a Disney princess . Also one of Disney 's most iconic characters , Belle was the only animated heroine nominated for the American Film Institute 's greatest heroes in film ranking . The character also appears in the film 's several sequels and spin - offs , as well as her own live - action television series . American actress Susan Egan originated the role of Belle in the Broadway musical adaptation of the film , for which she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical . Emma Watson plays a live - action version of the character in a 2017 live action adaptation of the original 1991 film . </P>
<P> Belle has garnered widespread acclaim from film critics who appreciated the character 's bravery , intelligence and independence . Reception towards her feminism , however , has been more mixed , with commentators accusing the character 's actions of being romance - oriented . The fifth Disney Princess , Belle is often ranked among the franchise 's best . Highly regarded as one of Disney 's strongest examples of a feminist character , critics agree that Belle helped spearhead a generation of independent film heroines while changing the reputation of a Disney princess . Also one of Disney 's most iconic characters , Belle was the only animated heroine nominated for the American Film Institute 's greatest heroes in film ranking . The character also appears in the film 's several sequels and spin - offs , as well as her own live - action television series . American actress Susan Egan originated the role of Belle in the Broadway musical adaptation of the film , for which she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical . Emma Watson plays a live - action version of the character in a 2017 live action adaptation of the original 1991 film . </P>
who plays bell in beauty and the beast
who plays bell in beauty and the beast
Susan Egan Tony Award
Susan Egan Tony Award