Sydney Sweeney Gives ‘Inspiring’ Speech at Variety’s 2025 Power of Women Event

Sydney Sweeney has delivered an “inspiring” and “empowering” speech at Variety’s 2025 Power of Women event.

Sweeney, 28, wowed the crowds at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in a stunning figure-hugging, floor-length, and partially see-through silver dress, before taking to the stage as one of the evening’s honorees to give a speech reflecting on the meaning of womanhood.

Sydney Sweeney Was ‘Incredibly Honored’ to Be Recognized at the Event

Sydney Sweeney accepted her honor at the event with pride and grace, telling the audience about the importance of having “The power to rise and to fight and to keep believing in yourself, even when no one else does.”

However, the star of television shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Euphoria,” and “The White Lotus,” and movies like 2023’s romantic comedy “Anyone but You,” 2024’s superhero offering “Madame Web,” and 2024’s religious horror “Immaculate,” humbly bequeathed her moment in the spotlight to another woman: former professional boxer Christy Martin.

Sweeney said, “And as much as I am incredibly honored to be recognised as one of these women, there’s someone way more important and special than me I would like to dedicate this to.”

She continued, “She is a woman who not only redefines higher sport but who struggles with domestic violence and sexual identity, gave a voice to so many who might not have had one.”

The actress then pointed out the fact that Martin was in the crowd, saying, “She means a lot to me and I am so happy she’s here tonight, she’s a hero, you are an ultimate underdog Christy Martin.”

Christy Martin Has Endured Her Fair Share of Troubles

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Sweeney went on, explaining Martin’s troubles, which included being told she didn’t belong in the world of boxing, being the target of abuse for being homosexual, and, worst of all, being left for dead by her abusive ex-husband after he shot her and stabbed her several times. She said, “Christy’s strength isn’t in all of her punches it’s in her heart.”

Her speech concluded with important messages like, “Christy reminds us strength doesn’t have to look loud sometimes, it’s just about getting up again and again no matter who is watching” and “to every young girl out there, I hope that you know your power is already within you.”

Following the event, Sweeney took to her Instagram account to post a video of her speech. One fan replied to it by commenting, “Syd, that was such an inspiring and empowering speech for women all around the world. Thank you for using your voice to make us feel truly seen, heard, and valued. Your words reminded us of our strength, our worth, and the power we hold when we stand together 💪🏻❤️‍🩹.”

Sweeney Is Playing Christy Martin in a Movie

Sydney Sweeney is, of course, playing Christy Martin in an upcoming movie.

Biographical sports drama “Christy” will chronicle Martin’s rise to becoming America’s most well known female boxer in the 1990s, but will also cover her ex-husband’s attempt to murder her in 2010.

Sweeney will be supported in the movie by a brilliant cast that includes Ben Foster (as James V. Martin, Christy’s coach turned abusive husband), Merritt Wever (as Joyce Salters, Christy’s conservative mother), and Katy O’Brian (as Lisa Holewyne, Christy’s most formidable boxing rival).

“Christy” hits theaters on Friday, November 7, and Sweeney’s brilliant disappearance into the titular role is expected to put her in the running for the Academy Award for Best Actress. We can’t wait to see it.

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