Sydney Sweeney takes the stage at the Christy screening in London

She steps out from behind a heavy black curtain in a blush gown that seems to catch every stray beam of stage light, its satin bodice gleaming pale gold, its long lace overskirt trailing behind her like mist. One hand grips a microphone; the other gathers the fabric at her hip so the hem clears her step, a practical gesture that reads as effortless grace. Her hair falls in loose waves past her waist, and she glances off to one side, lips parted mid-thought, caught between the wings and the waiting audience. Behind her, warm wood slats rise in vertical stripes, glowing amber against the dark. It is the particular electricity of a live appearance, the second before the room realizes she has arrived.

This photograph was taken on 17 October 2025 at the BFI London Film Festival, where Christy was shown a month after its premiere in Toronto. Sweeney met the crowd on the red carpet and then introduced the film on stage. She plays the boxer Christy Martin, and is also one of the producers of the film.