Actress Sydney Sweeney appeared at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California, on Saturday evening to promote her upcoming biographical drama Christy, directed by David Michôd. The 27-year-old, who serves as a brand ambassador for American Eagle and is presently in a relationship with Scooter Braun, exuded sophistication in a Brunello Cucinelli skirt suit as she arrived arm-in-arm with her co-star and onscreen counterpart, Ben Foster, for the Film Independent-sponsored FYC screening.
Her look featured waist-length extensions styled by Glen “Coco” Oropeza, with make-up artist Melissa Hernandez ensuring she was camera-ready for the event.
In preparation for her portrayal of professional boxer Christy Martin, Sweeney disclosed that she gained approximately 30 pounds of muscle to embody the role more authentically. The transformation required an intensive three-month physical training regimen, which included daily weight training sessions and revisiting her background in boxing, kickboxing, and grappling, disciplines she had practiced between the ages of 12 and 19.
Speaking during the post-screening Q&A session, Sweeney described the process as “quite challenging,” adding:
“I grew up boxing. It was one of my favorite things to do. I was the only girl at the dojo, and I loved it. When I booked Euphoria, I had to stop, but I’ve always wanted to reconnect with that physical side of myself. When I read about Christy and saw the script, I was completely blown away. She’s one of the most inspiring women I’ve ever met.”
The real-life Christy Martin, now 56, remains a pioneering figure in women’s boxing, boasting 49 professional wins (31 by knockout), seven losses, and three draws. She gained mainstream recognition after appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1996 under the headline “The Lady Is a Champ.”
Martin survived a 2010 domestic violence attack perpetrated by her then-husband, James V. Martin, who was later convicted and sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment. She has since remarried, tying the knot in 2017 with former boxing opponent Lisa Holewyne.
Reflecting on the experience of portraying Martin, Sweeney remarked:
“Christy taught me a lot about myself — how to stand up for myself and be stronger in both my personal and professional life. We all fight our own battles, just in different kinds of rings. Check in on your friends. Make sure they’re okay.”
The 135-minute sports drama also stars Katy O’Brian, Merritt Wever, and Ethan Embry. Early critical reception places the film at 71% on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 49 reviews), 57 on Metacritic, and 5.4/10 on IMDb.
Industry analysts at Gold Derby currently rank Sweeney 10th in the race for a potential Best Actress Oscar nomination, trailing contenders such as Jessie Buckley, Cynthia Erivo, Emma Stone, Amanda Seyfried, Julia Roberts, and Jennifer Lawrence.
Separately, Sweeney continues to expand her production portfolio, having executive-produced and starred in Paul Feig’s upcoming adaptation of Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel The Housemaid, scheduled for Lionsgate release on December 19.
In 2026, audiences will see her reprise her acclaimed role as Cassie Howard in the anticipated third season of HBO’s hit series Euphoria.#newsafro_
