Sydney Sweeney’s performance in *Christy* is earning significant awards buzz, even as the film struggles at the box office. Many critics have applauded her portrayal of boxer Christy Martin in this biopic, which highlights both Martin’s career in the ring and the domestic abuse she survived outside of it.
The movie opened to just $1.3 million across more than 2,000 theaters, marking one of the worst openings on record. Despite its poor commercial debut, *Christy* has become a critical talking point, with Sweeney at the center of much of the attention.
The film premiered in September at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada, where Sweeney’s lead performance was widely praised. Critics at TIFF described her portrayal as a “career-best,” with some saying she “disappeared into the role” of the former boxing champion.
Though the film itself has drawn mixed reactions and experienced sparse audience turnout, Sweeney’s performance has consistently stood out. On Rotten Tomatoes, *Christy* holds a 97 percent audience score on the Popcorn Meter. The critics’ consensus reads: “While *Christy* falters in tonal cohesion and emotional impact, it remains a compelling showcase for Sydney Sweeney’s transformative performance, grounding a mythic genre in raw, personal storytelling.”
Sweeney played the title role of Christy Martin, a professional boxer whose story includes not only a trailblazing athletic career but also a brutal episode of domestic violence at the hands of her husband. The film seeks to raise awareness about abuse and portray Martin’s survival and comeback as a core part of her legacy.
Still, some reviewers argue that the film’s impact begins and ends with Sweeney’s performance alone. While she has received praise for her physical transformation and commitment to the role, and some critics have called the film “compelling,” others contend that it lacks the depth needed to fully support what Sweeney was trying to achieve.
The low turnout at the box office is expected to pose a hurdle in Sweeney’s push for major awards recognition. However, her name has already entered the conversation for a potential Oscar nomination for Best Actress ahead of the 2026 ceremony. With a crowded field of contenders starring in better-received films, her chances remain uncertain but promising.
https://www.newsweek.com/entertainment/sydney-sweeney-oscar-buzz-christy-box-office-flop-11032923