Sydney Sweeney clinches major award after American Eagle backlash

HAMPTONS — Sydney Sweeney has reached a major career milestone, earning the Achievement in Acting Award at the Hamptons International Film Festival for her transformative role in the upcoming biopic Christy.

The Euphoria star, 28, was honored for her powerful portrayal of a female boxer in the film, which tells a story of grit, resilience, and personal transformation. Sweeney’s performance has already garnered critical acclaim, with many praising her dedication to the physically demanding role.

During a Q&A at the festival, Sweeney shared the intense routine she underwent to prepare for the role.

“Every morning I would weight train for an hour, then I would go and do boxing for three hours, and then another hour of weight training at night,” she revealed. “I did that every single day for three months, with a nutritionist — eating a bunch of food, protein shakes, and supplements.”

Read more: Hollywood debates rise of AI actress at Zurich festival

Her commitment paid off — she gained around 35 pounds to fully embody the strength and mindset of a professional boxer.

Sweeney celebrated the award on Instagram, posting photos from the event, including one of her holding the crystal trophy. “Thank you @hamptonsfilm for the achievement in acting award for @christy.movie,” she captioned the post.

For the event, she opted for a polished, fashion-forward look: a cropped white blazer paired with a sheer skirt and white pumps, reflecting her signature blend of elegance and edge.

The award comes just weeks after Sweeney faced criticism online over her recent American Eagle campaign. The backlash, however, hasn’t slowed her momentum. Industry insiders say her win reflects both her rising influence in Hollywood and her ability to take on complex, challenging roles while maintaining her commercial appeal.

Known for seamlessly balancing high-fashion campaigns with serious acting, Sweeney continues to prove she’s more than just a red carpet presence — she’s a force to be reckoned with in both film and fashion.