Sydney Sweeney is being tipped to win her first Oscar for her portrayal of boxing legend Christy Martin in the upcoming biopic 'Christy'. The film, which premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, has received rave reviews from test screening audiences, with feedback described as 'through the roof'.
The 27-year-old actress plays Martin, a former world champion and pioneer for women's boxing, whose story includes her iconic career and a near-death experience in 2010 when her ex-husband stabbed and shot her. Sweeney underwent a dramatic physical transformation, working out three times a day and eating every 30 minutes to bulk up for the role.
Martin herself praised Sweeney as a 'perfectionist', noting her dedication to accurately depicting both boxing and domestic violence. The film is set for theatrical release on November 7.
The Oscar buzz comes just a month after Sweeney faced backlash for an American Eagle jeans ad that critics compared to 'Nazi propaganda'. Sweeney has declined to comment on the controversy, stating she is focused on promoting the film.
