Sydney Sweeney’s Hollywood arc has been mirroring a sort of underdog tale as of late, echoing her own roles in life-inspired, raw, resilient worlds. And with its 98th year looming, the Academy seems poised to shift the Oscar gears to craft over sheer numbers.

Sweeney, a fixture in buzzy series and bold films, has fuelled speculation to be the very muse of this shift towards the Oscars. The very point of pivot where true artistry might eclipse metrics this season.

Sweeney's box office tallies have tanked, critics have instead chanted Oscar to hype her up and bring paradox to her knockout.

 Sydney Sweeney has been vouched to enter Oscar's race for the best actress contention, notably for her portrayal of boxer Christy Martin in David Michôd’s biopic Christy as per The Hollywood Reporter. The film has chronicled Martin’s rise and survival of domestic abuse, with Sweeney famously gaining 30 pounds and training rigorously for character authenticity.

Despite a $15 million budget and just $1.95 million domestic gross, she has been praised for having performed spectacularly. Her dedication and results in the role have even been mentioned by podcasts like Awards Chatter.​

Sydney Sweeney’s Oscar stature, according to The Hollywood Reporter, has come as a surprise after her 2025 slate. The year has seen multiple box office disappointments for the actress. Americana opened to $500,000 on a $9 million budget across 1,123 theaters, though its low cost may yield profits.

Eden earned $2.7 million against $35 million, drawing mixed reviews. Echo Valley, budgeted at $80 million, had a limited run before Apple TV+ streaming, with praise leaning more toward Julianne Moore. than Sweeney. 

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Flops might have piled up like unanswered prayers, yet Sweeney had made sure her punch lands where it counts: the heart.

Despite her growing off-screen empire, Christy has compounded the streak, debuting at $1.31 million, perhaps one of the most missable openings for Sydney Sweeney so far, dropping lower by 92% in week two. Sweeney addressed the flop, stating art prioritises impact over numbers, proud if it inspires even one viewer. Yet, her Euphoria and The White Lotus roles have sustained acclaim amid theatrical woes.​

Sweeney now navigates the remainder of 2025, defined by commercial stumbles, sure, but the critical heat for Christy. This Oscar buzz has underscored a potential Academy evolution for her, regardless of the dollars, and perhaps with regard to depth. As awards season heats up, her resilience spotlights raft’s enduring pull in Hollywood’s high-stakes arena.

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Do you think Sydney Sweeney is riled up enough for a race at the Oscars? Let us know in the comments below!