Actress Sydney Sweeney has hit a major career milestone just weeks after facing criticism over her American Eagle ad.

The 28-year-old Euphoria star was honored with the Achievement in Acting Award at the Hamptons International Film Festival for her powerful performance in the upcoming biopic Christy.

During the Hamptons International Film Festival, Sweeney received the Achievement in Acting award for her portrayal of a female boxer in Christy. The film tells the inspiring story of determination, resilience, and transformation—qualities Sweeney embodied both on and off-screen.

Sharing her excitement on Instagram, she wrote, “Thank you @hamptonsfilm for the achievement in acting award for @christy.movie,” along with photos from the event, including one proudly holding her crystal trophy.

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For the occasion, Sweeney opted for a chic look — a cropped white blazer paired with a sheer skirt and white pumps, blending elegance with simplicity.

The grueling transformation behind Christy

During a Q&A session at the festival, Sweeney gave fans a glimpse into the demanding process behind her physical transformation 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,” Sweeney revealed. “I did that every single day for three months, with a nutritionist — eating a bunch of food, protein shakes, and supplements.”

She added that the rigorous training helped her gain around 35 pounds over the course of three months, allowing her to fully embody the strength and mindset of a professional boxer.

From backlash to triumph

Sweeney’s award win comes shortly after she faced online backlash for her recent American Eagle jeans campaign. Despite the controversy, her latest recognition underscores her growing influence in Hollywood and her commitment to challenging roles.

Industry insiders have praised her ability to balance commercial work and serious acting, showing her range as both a fashion icon and a performer dedicated to her craft.