Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney made headlines with her choice of attire at Variety's Power of Women event, where she was recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry. The 28-year-old chose to wear a metallic, see-through dress that quickly became the focal point of conversation, overshadowing the professional accolades she received that evening.
Sweeney's gown, described by some as a "red carpet stunt," was met with mixed reactions. Critics labeled it as such, while numerous media outlets lauded her for making a "bold" and "empowering" statement. The actress herself appeared unfazed by the varied responses, telling Variety that her fashion choices are personal and made with her own sense of self-confidence in mind.
"I just feel good and I'm doing it for myself and I feel strong," Sweeney explained. She expressed a desire to inspire other women to embrace self-confidence, urging them to "flaunt what they got and feel good because you shouldn't have to apologize or hide or cover up in any room."
Sweeney has established a reputation for portraying "divisive characters" and suggests a gap between public perception and her true personality. "A lot of people think they know me, but they don't," she stated, hinting at the complexities behind her public image.
The event also served as a promotional platform for Sweeney's upcoming film "Christy," a biopic in which she portrays female boxing champion Christy Martin. The actress shared insights into her rigorous preparation for the role, including significant weight gain and intense training sessions.
Sweeney's speech at the event went beyond fashion, addressing broader themes of confidence and self-empowerment. She paralleled her experiences with those of Martin, discussing the shared feeling of being underestimated and the importance of defining oneself.
"Every one of us has our own fight," Sweeney remarked. "Strength doesn't always look loud. Sometimes it's just getting back up again and again, no matter who's watching."
The actress was joined on the red carpet by the real Christy Martin, who was dressed in a gray suit and represented as an icon of "female resilience." Sweeney's ever-evolving appearance, including her new bleached-blonde bob, has become synonymous with her media identity, which she insists is not a calculated strategy.
While Sweeney steered clear of explicitly political or cultural statements, her appearance and message reflected a broader narrative within Hollywood that equates celebrity confidence and revealing attire with empowerment—a stance that also attracts skepticism and claims of judgmental attitudes.
