Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney has added a new milestone to her growing list of achievements, just weeks after facing public criticism over her recent American Eagle campaign. The 28-year-old actress, best known for her breakout roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, was honored with the prestigious Achievement in Acting Award at the Hamptons International Film Festival for her remarkable performance in the upcoming biopic Christy.

The film follows the story of a female boxer’s journey through adversity, exploring resilience, courage, and transformation. Sweeney’s portrayal has already generated Oscar buzz, with critics calling her performance one of the most physically and emotionally demanding roles of her career.

Taking to Instagram, the actress expressed her gratitude, writing, “Thank you @hamptonsfilm for the achievement in acting award for @christy.movie,” alongside a carousel of photos from the festival — including one where she proudly posed with her crystal award. For the event, she opted for a sleek and elegant look — a cropped white blazer paired with a sheer skirt and white pumps — perfectly capturing her signature balance of confidence and sophistication.

Speaking during a Q&A session, Sweeney shared insights into her grueling preparation for the role, describing a transformative three-month journey that pushed her both mentally and physically. “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, working closely with a nutritionist — eating constantly, focusing on protein shakes and supplements.”

The actress explained that she gained approximately 35 pounds during the process, allowing her to fully inhabit the physique and mindset of a professional boxer. “It was about becoming Christy, not just playing her,” she said.

The award arrives at a crucial moment in Sweeney’s career, following weeks of online backlash surrounding her American Eagle jeans ad campaign, which some critics labeled as “tone-deaf.” However, the recognition at Hamptons serves as a powerful reminder of her versatility and depth as an artist — one capable of navigating commercial partnerships while delivering high-caliber dramatic performances.

Industry experts have praised Sweeney’s ability to transition seamlessly between genres, balancing her appeal as a fashion icon with her dedication to method acting. As she prepares for the global release of Christy, Sweeney continues to solidify her place as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic and fearless young talents.